Michigan State must return to run first mentality

The Spartans undoubtedly took a step back in 2009. In order to avoid another sub-par year, the team’s rushing attack will need to be restored back to old form.
After placing such heavy emphasis on running the ball in Mark Dantonio’s first two years, the team decided to become a bit more balanced last year. The rushing to passing ratio was 419:423 The Spartans amassed over 500 carries in both 07’ and 08’.
There are many factors that can be attributed to why the Spartans did not run the ball as much last year. Javon Ringer is the first to come to mind. Losing a player that talented and productive can definitely put a dent in any team’s rushing attack. The receiving core of Blair White, B.J. Cunningham, Mark Dell, and Charlie Gantt was a strength of the team, which could have made Don Treadwell more comfortable throwing the ball rather than running. However, inexperience and unproven options at the position proved to be the biggest reason.
Sophomore’s Edwin Baker and Larry Caper showed flashes of good potential in their true freshman years. Both backs weren’t expected to play a major role, but were forced to after Glenn Winston was kicked off the squad and Caulton Ray’s ineffectiveness after a promising start off to the year. The two filled in admirably and combined for a total of 895 yards. There’s no doubt that the two can be next in line of the quality Spartan running back’s that have mostly recently included names such as Deandra Cobb, Jason Teague, Jehuu Caulcrick and Javon Ringer.
The duo will need to take a giant leap forward in order for the Spartans to be legitimate Big Ten contenders in 2010. Despite showing glimpses, both backs failed to record a 100 yard game last year and were barely involved in the passing game.
Both backs shouldn’t be asked and expected to match what Javon Ringer did. That is simply asking to do too much. Expect the two to mirror the production of what Deandre Cobb and Jason Teague did back in 2004. A reasonable expectation for the two would be to combine for 1500-1600 yards. If the Spartans amass that type of production from the run game, than this Spartan’s team will show great improvement.
Running the ball has played a great part to the successes that Mark Dantonio has sustained during his tenure. I’m not saying that it was the ground games fault that the Spartans regressed last year, but it did play a role in why the team wasn’t as successful.
The Spartans will definitely show improvement on the ground game in 2010. If only they can fix the defense…