Five questions as MSU football heads into spring

With the 2011 season officially in the books after tonight's national championship game, it's time to take a look at what MSU's biggest issues are going to be heading into spring ball.

1. How will Andrew Maxwell transition into the starting role?

I wrote about Maxwell last week. He has all the physical tools to succeed Kirk Cousins, the winningest quarterback in school history. Maxwell also has one of the Big Ten's best running backs, one of the best defenses and one of the most-experienced offensive lines to help him. The only things Maxwell doesn't have are experience and wide receivers. Maxwell knows the offense, as he will be a fourth-year junior next year. He just needs to take everything and show it on on the field.

2. Who will be the new defensive tackles?

McDonald moving into leadership role (w/ video)

EAST LANSING — Ever since he arrived at MSU, Chris McDonald has looked up to fellow offensive guard Joel Foreman for leadership.

But next season, Foreman will be gone to graduation, and the Sterling Heights native McDonald will be the dean of the MSU offensive line. A week ago, the team captain Foreman brought up the idea of McDonald being a captain next season.