Dantonio Saying Little About Offensive Changes

Later this week, the mystery surrounding Michigan State's offense will finally end.

Until then, the Spartans aren't revealing much.

"Friday night, after the game, we'll be able to brag about it a little bit," quarterback Brian Lewerke said. "But as for now, we can't really do too much."

EAST LANSING, MI - OCTOBER 20: Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans warms up prior to playing the Michigan Wolverines at Spartan Stadium on October 20, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Whether the priority is secrecy or modesty, Michigan State has said little about any changes on the offensive side of the ball, but once the games start, there will be nowhere to hide. The Spartans are under pressure — from their own fans, first and foremost — to produce.

Michigan State went 7-6 last season and scored only 32 points over its final four games. Even so, the Spartans are ranked 18th in The AP's preseason poll. Although there are plenty of questions surrounding coach Mark Dantonio's team, voters decided to give Michigan State the benefit of the doubt for now.

The Spartans host Tulsa on Friday night in their season opener.

EAST LANSING, MI - NOVEMBER 10: Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans throws a first half pass while playing the Ohio State Buckeyes at Spartan Stadium on November 10, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

"Whatever we do, it doesn't matter what kind of offensive scheme we run, as long as we score points," Lewerke said. "That's what our main objective is."

Dantonio kept his offensive assistants after the disappointing 2018 season, but he shuffled their roles around a bit, moving Brad Salem to offensive coordinator. It was a strong show of loyalty, but it also invited skepticism about how much would really change.

Since then, Dantonio has shown little interest in advertising any new specifics about the offense, preferring to keep that information under wraps. Maybe there will be a significantly different approach, or maybe there will just be some tweaks.

LINCOLN, NE - NOVEMBER 17: Head coach Mark Dantonio of the Michigan State Spartans walks on the field with the team before the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on November 17, 2018 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)

"Won't be in the T (formation)," Dantonio joked Tuesday, although that was about all he was willing to promise.

"I think everyone wants to try to keep everything a little bit behind the curtain, so people don't prepare for you," he said. "Everything is about practicing for your opponent, trying to simulate what they do. That's usually the way things work both sides of the ball and special teams. History is the best indicator of the future, things of that nature. You want to try and guard against those type of things, especially when you made a couple changes."

Attempts to glean information from players were just as unsuccessful.

TEMPE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 08: Wide receiver Jalen Nailor #8 of the Michigan State Spartans carries the football after a reception against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the second half of the college football game at Sun Devil Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

"Production and big plays," receiver Jalen Nailor said, stating the obvious about what Michigan State is hoping for.

Rather than talk about how much different the offense will be from last year, the Spartans may simply want to forget about 2018.

"The message to our football team is: It's game day, game time. I don't care if you bench 400 pounds, or run a 4.5, or 36 vertical inches. I don't care if you are a preseason All-American," Dantonio said. "I don't care if you had a tough year last year. It's time to get ready to play."

TEMPE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 08: Head coach Mark Dantonio of the Michigan State Spartans reacts during warm ups to the college football game against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Tempe, Arizona. The Sun Devils defeated the Spartans 16-13. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Dantonio has been willing to roll the dice with trick plays during his Michigan State tenure, but his every-down offense hasn't been all that exotic, and it would be surprising if that changes too much. There's experience at quarterback with Lewerke, a fifth-year senior. He struggled last year after an impressive 2017.

There's less clarity at running back, where Connor Heyward is atop the depth chart with La'Darius Jefferson and freshmen Elijah Collins and Anthony Williams behind him.

EAST LANSING, MI - NOVEMBER 24: Running back Connor Heyward #11 of the Michigan State Spartans carries the ball against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during during the first half at Spartan Stadium on November 24, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)

"I see that running back situation very fluid," Dantonio said. "Guys are going to get opportunities, especially in the first game of the season."

Elsewhere on the depth chart, AJ Arcuri, a junior who has never started for Michigan State, is listed as the No. 1 left tackle. Dantonio said Cole Chewins has been dealing with back issues and won't play this week.

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