Spartan defense hopes The Swarm is back on the attack
Steve Grinczel of MLive.com reports that after having a +11 turnover margin in 2003, good for second in the Big Ten, the Spartans slipped to ninth in the conference in 2004 with their -5 turnover margin. MSU also slipped from a Big Ten leading 45 sacks in 2003 to ninth in the conference with only 20 sacks last season.
Third-year defensive coordinator Chris Smeland hopes to be back on the attack this year. Combine that with a returning Spartan offense that led the conference in total offense and scoring and MSU fans may have a very good season ahead of them.
Recreating The Swarm of ‘03 is third-year defensive coordinator Chris Smeland’s primary objective.
“We’re going to have that attitude of 11 guys swarming to the ball, run hard and play physical,” he said.
He’s counting on Ryan and a solid core of seniors, which includes strong safety Eric Smith and linemen Brandon McKinney, Michael Bazemore and Domata Peko, to lead the way.
He’s also upgraded the experience quotient by adding six junior-college transfers.
“We’ve improved ourselves in terms of depth along that defensive front,” Smeland said. “So, we’re expecting our defensive front to create havoc and some sacks, putting more pressure on the quarterback so now the ball’s up in air a little differently and then you have a chance to come up with some interceptions.”