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?

Georgia's size presents problems for MSU (w/ video)

(This story originally appeared on TheOaklandPress.com)


EAST LANSING — During the Big Ten season, there was a lot of buzz about how Wisconsin’s offensive line was bigger than some lines in the National Football League.

The Spartans had five sacks of Wisconsin’s quarterback, but allowed 346 rushing yards in the two games. Now the Spartans are preparing for Georgia in the Outback Bowl and some of the top college talent from the Southeastern Conference. That includes an offensive line whose starters average more than 6-foot-3 in height and 329 pounds in weight.

“Someone said they’re considered the biggest offensive line in the country,” defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi said at MSU’s bowl media day Tuesday. “They’re bigger than Wisconsin? Are you kidding me? … They’re strong, they get their hands on you, they can put you on your back.”