Heading into this fall, Jeff Smoker has already established his passing skills. With continual improvement he could turn out to be one of the best quarterbacks in the nation, which many folks have overlooked. The Spartans have a top pass-catch combination when throwing in the name Charles Rogers, a top rated All-American who just made huge waves in his first season last fall. The record-smashing Rogers is sure to be Mr. GoTo. Are there two other consistent receivers to run along side with Rogers? His 2001 introduction was baked pretty well with a receiving soufflé that included NFL draft picks Herb Haygood and tight end Chris Baker. The Spartans will miss those men, but won't miss the double teams that Rogers is about to take on. The ability of the second receiver to shake free and diversify the pass coverage will be key to the Green and White aerial assault. Smiles are quite popular around East Lansing when contemplating the depth issues on offense. The loss of big man T.J. Duckett at tailback is cause for some concern as he opted early for the NFL. No doubt has been left about who will fill his shoes. That honor goes to senior workhorse Dawan Moss after being moved over from the starting fullback spot. Moss is a 233-pound power runner with 4.6 40-yard speed. The Spartans need an incumbent to step up at the fullback spot with the movement of Moss. The front wall will be quite steady with all five starting linemen from last season back in the fold.

How well the Michigan State 2002 plans unfold will revolve mostly around defensive questions considering the skills returning on the offensive side of the ball are extremely legit. The weakest position has to be at middle linebacker where Josh Thornhill ruled the last two seasons. He needs replaced, and it looks as if the job will fall to Seth Mitchell or Jason Bradley. Both players have a long way to go to prove they can handle the responsibility. Some other questions an observer might ask, who are the experienced horses up front on the defensive line and who is going to provide the fresh legs when the game is on the line at the end? Stopping the run will be the potential difference between winning and losing the conference head-to-head battles. The defensive front seven will be lucky to survive in the Big Ten. However, opponents would be better off not underestimating the MSU secondary. Do you know who Cedric Henry is? Five interceptions to his credit in 2000. He is just as good as he always was and has continually been able to stay with Charles Rogers through out the practice sessions. Broderick Nelson had five interceptions last season as well. The cornerback slots are pretty well saturated. Both safeties return in young Robert Flagg and Thomas Wright, who may be the most underrated safety in the country. Look for MSU to play the corners out on an island this fall with the safeties and linebackers blitzing more. The secondary is well stocked and will be tough, but the front seven has been depleted leaving a void for playmakers with the exception of sack leader Mike Labinjo. Look for a lot of shootouts in East Lansing. (Commentary provided by: sparty on & Chris Lees)