Michigan State Football: Realistic changes, optimism for program’s future

Mark Dantonio reaffirmed his belief in Michigan State football and remaining the next head coach. What realistic things must change?

After the press conference Tuesday, it’s clear that Mark Dantonio will be the coach for Michigan State football next season. While that may upset and concern some, it also gives a small group of others a comfortable feeling.

What are some realistic changes the Spartans must make and why is there actual optimism for the future of the program?

Ultimate embarrassment 

Theres no other way to say it, Michigan State has been embarrassed this year on numerous occasions. Whether it was Illinois, Arizona State, Wisconsin, Ohio State or Michigan, fans can point to exact moments of head scratches and blurting out foul language at the TV.

With all that said, there has to be some sense of urgency with the program. This offseason could answer the question for the Spartans. After all that has happened within the last five years, Michigan State has got to be looking for new coordinators to change this system. The fact is that whatever the staff is doing isn’t working and it’s clear.

Dantonio said he would asses the coaches at the end of the year. Maybe that’s a hint that even Dantonio is becoming irritated by the production.

New faces

Let’s just call a spade a spade here. This entire team has been a failed test. Brian Lewerke hasn’t been the guy the Spartans needed, the receivers can’t catch the ball consistently, the offensive line has played exactly like 2018 did and of course Michigan State is on the third year of constant injuries.

This Michigan State team just doesn’t look in sync or anything like the other teams have in past years. It’s become visibly clear that the players feel a certain way about the coaches, game plan, system or just each other.

With new faces comes a fresh new attitude and I’m sure the players that stay with the program are gonna have a chip on their shoulder going into next season. Not to mention the quarterback position is open next year and we will have a bundle of new names, and new recruits.

Maybe this season coming to an end is the start of a resurgence for the Spartans.

Coordinators 

You would think this one would be higher, right? I’m sure Spartan fans know this specific category is a huge need for the program. Michigan State needs a complete overhaul. No need to call anyone out by name but there are various positions on offense and defense that need new blood.

If Mark Dantonio stays and wants to continue to keep himself around and relevant he absolutely needs to find the pixie dust and new coordinators fast. My senses are we will see a few new names in town, but with Dantonio, it’s always a wait and see game. There’s no doubt that Dantonio has been thinking maybe it’s time to really pull the cord.

Offended leaders

This year the leadership has seemed questionable. Michigan State’s team is young right now but that’s good. There are, and will be, young guys who will be able to step up and get Michigan State back to the chippy bad boys.

Guys like Julian Barnett, Elijah Collins, Antjuan Simmons and others not on campus like Darius Snow have been extremely focused on bouncing back and changing culture. That’s possibly the one bright spot for Michigan State right now. The young guys on the roster are eager to play and are still excited to compete and rep Michigan State.

Solid young talent

Believe it or not, Michigan State does have a solid amount of talent coming back and coming in next year, it just depends on the whole coordinator situation. But if that were to change, Michigan State could be interesting to watch in the future especially on offense.

Guys like Barnett, Jayden Reed, Collins, Brandon Wright, Anthony Williams Jr., Tre’Von Morgan, Trenton Gillison and Tre Mosley could set the tone. Add in former four-star in Theo Day who has looked solid when in but hasn’t really had his moment and you have a solid young core.

These guys will have a huge load next year having to play well and prove Michigan State still is a challenge to compete against.