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Michigan State Football: What will the Spartans look like under Mel Tucker?

By Stephen Robb

DENVER, CO - AUGUST 30: Head coach Mel Tucker of the Colorado Buffaloes talks to his team in the second half of a game against the Colorado State Rams at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on August 30, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - AUGUST 30: Head coach Mel Tucker of the Colorado Buffaloes talks to his team in the second half of a game against the Colorado State Rams at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on August 30, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /
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Mel Tucker is now the Michigan State football coach. He brings an intensity and emotion to the Spartan program. What will this team look like next year?

In 2018, Colorado finished 5-7. The next year they hired Mel Tucker and yet they still finished 5-7, however, here is the key statistic in these records: in 2018, Colorado lost its last seven games and was only able to beat up on down programs like Nebraska and UCLA. Under Tucker, they were more competitive and able to beat Arizona State as well.

It will take time for Tucker to get his guys in the program but he has wasted no time in offering recruits. Next season may still be a 5-7 or 6-6 year but there are still some playmakers on this roster.

I like that he is giving everyone a clean slate to see what they can do. Sometimes coaches can keep play it safe or fall in love with certain players.

Tucker has put together a terrific coaching staff. Fans were disappointed when they missed on Kentucky’s Vince Marrow, however, he was going after big-time coaches. I like the versatile and aggressive style from offensive coordinator Jay Johnson. Getting Wisconsin’s Ted Gilmore was a great move because he is a big-time recruiter.

Bringing Harlon Barnet back and retaining coaches Ron Burton and Mike Tressel were a coup. I do believe the biggest add was offensive line coach Chris Kapilovic — it was a much-needed upgrade. He’s a great coach whose players speak highly of him. Michigan State has struggled with it’s line, but they have young talented guys coming back. The MSU line may finally take that next step that many have thought they could in 2020.

I like the move to get Courtney Hawkins because he knows the recruiting landscape in Michigan. He’s an NFL guy and brings that experience.

Next. 3 reasons Mel Tucker will get MSU back on track. dark

It has been a frustrating last four years for Spartan fans. There are three things this new staff brings: recruiting, hope and relentlessness. Fans have not experienced any of those three for awhile. I’m thankful for what Mark Dantonio did, but I’m excited to see what this team can do in the fall.

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