Michigan State was closer to being an elite team than its 7-5 record would indicate. The Spartans qualified for a bowl game for the first time in four seasons and lost all five games by a touchdown or less under first-year coach Mark Dantonio.

That leaves the program cautiously optimistic entering 2008. Michigan State is a program that traditionally seems to fall apart while on the verge of greatness. Dantonio has gone well out of his way to adjust attitudes in a short time.

For the Spartans to thrive, they must successfully repair both the offensive and defensive line, replace the top two pass catchers from last season and keep Javon Ringer healthy, something he has struggled to do during his time in East Lansing.

Quarterback Brian Hoyer should be improved in his second season as a starter, but he loses his two favorite targets in Devin Thomas and Kellen Davis, who both left for the NFL. It will thrust Mark Dell into the spotlight after the highly-recruited freshman was fifth on the team last season with 20 catches.

Defensively, Trevor Anderson is a former All-Big East performer who followed Dantonio from Cincinnati. Now eligible, he should immediately give the Spartans a much-needed pass rushing threat to replace Jonal Saint-Dic.

Michigan State might not be ready to win the Big Ten, but it's not that far away, either. The Spartans are poised to jump up and grab some of the conference's bigger programs this year -- most notably Michigan -- and should be a pleasant surprise in 2008.

--LB Greg Jones could be on the verge of becoming a star. The sophomore played both outside and in the middle in Michigan State's spring game, but clearly looks more comfortable in the middle. He had 78 tackles as a freshman and is poised to take a big leap on a defense that could be much better than people expect.

--QB Brian Hoyer settled into his role as a starter last season. He threw more interceptions than touchdowns in only one game during the regular season (Ohio State) before falling apart in the bowl game with four interceptions against Boston College. He'll benefit from not having to carry the load on offense. Tailback Javon Ringer should be back healthy in the fall following shoulder surgery and will be the focal point of MSU's attack.

SPRING MOVERS:

LT Rocco Cironi -- The Spartans have to replace four key contributors along the offensive line. Cironi will fill one of those positions at left tackle after a strong spring left him as the most likely candidate.

S Otis Wiley -- Led the defense with four interceptions last season and added 49 tackles. Came up with a big interception in the spring game and will most certainly be one of the leaders in the secondary next season.

DE Tyler Hoover -- It didn't take long for the freshman to make his presence felt, getting into the backfield a few times in the spring game. Hoover is a top recruit who could develop into a star. For now, he's certainly in the mix as the Spartans replace both starters at defensive end.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "There's more recall ... We have to solidify some things, but in the long run, we are ahead of where we were." -- Coach Mark Dantonio, on where his team stands now compared to the end of last spring.

2008 OUTLOOK: Michigan State took a huge step forward last season by being competitive in every game and qualifying for a bowl trip. The Spartans lost five games, all by a touchdown or less, proving how close they were to becoming an elite team in the Big Ten. Filling the holes on the offensive line, at receiver and at defensive end has to be a priority, but Michigan State could be one of the pleasant surprises in the league. It wouldn't be surprising if this was the year the Spartans surpassed Michigan, both in talent and expectations.

SCOUTING THE OFFENSE: Javon Ringer missed the spring with shoulder surgery, but if he's healthy in the fall, he'll be one of the best backs in the conference. Staying healthy has been his biggest problem throughout his career, so finding another back to share the load (as Jehuu Caulcrick did last year) should be a priority. Quarterback Brian Hoyer returns for his second season as a starter, but has to find some new targets. Devin Thomas and Kellen Davis combined for over 1,700 yards in receptions and 14 of Michigan State's 21 passing touchdowns. That leaves Mark Dell as the most experienced receiver returning. Dell had 20 catches for 220 yards and a pair of touchdowns a year ago.

SCOUTING THE DEFENSE: Both defensive ends are gone, including sack master Jonal Saint-Dic, who exploded last season with 10 sacks. But he didn't have any over the last three games and just one over the last five, proving the Spartans have to get a more consistent rush up front. Trevor Anderson followed Dantonio from Cincinnati, and after sitting out last season, is ready to take over as a pass rusher. Once the line is sorted out, Greg Jones is poised to become a star at middle linebacker. He had 78 tackles last year as a freshman, and now as a full-time starter, should flirt with 100.

SCOUTING THE SPECIAL TEAMS: Devin Thomas leaves a big hole on special teams after leading the conference in kickoff returns at over 29 yards per return. For now, backup tailback A.J. Jimmerson is the most likely replacement. Aaron Bates struggled punting as a freshman, ranking near the bottom of the conference with a 39.7 average. That should improve as he gets older. Kicker Brett Swenson didn't show much improvement from '06 to '07, but needs to be more consistent in '08. Losing so many stars at the skill positions means the Spartans can ill-afford to give away points this year, particularly early in the season as youngsters settle into roles.

ROSTER REPORT:

--RB Javon Ringer was held out of spring drills following shoulder surgery. The oft-injured star of the offense is hoping to be back healthy in the fall.

--OL Roland Martin missed the last half of spring camp after having a bone spur removed from his ankle.

Previous Report: 03/29/2008