EAST LANSING, Mich. -- Warren Sapp would have loved this. Russell Maryland and Bennie Blades too. Any of those vintage Miami Hurricane defenders who had "swag" before the word was invented.
This is Pat Narduzzi's defense. Michigan State's unit was sixth nationally in total defense while leading the Big Ten in total defense, rush defense and interceptions. And if, at the end of any particular tackle, pick, sack or humiliation, the Spartans let you know about it, well, we told you Sapp would have loved this.
"It's really the same style of defense," said Narduzzi, the Spartans' high-motor defensive coordinator, "back when Tommy Tuberville was defensive coordinator with Sapp and all those guys.
This is also Narduzzi's office. Its walls are plastered with references to Spartan Dawgs. It's what the defense called itself in 2011. Narduzzi gives the squad that naming option each season. "In 2011," a poster reads, "we will set the standard nationally for the most reckless, disruptive force unleashed on any team."
The poster also contains keywords: Dominate, Turnovers, Swarming, Toughness and, yes, Swag. Swagger, baby. Somewhere Sapp is shedding a tear -- or perhaps drooling.
Like Miami of old, these Spartan Dawgs are scary good. Last season, five opponents were held to seven points or less. Narduzzi's unit had two players drafted (lineman Jerel Worthy, safety Trenton Robinson). There are more to come in the future, starting with junior defensive end William Gholston.
But the Miami comparison? Best keep it on the down low for now. As much as Narduzzi wants his guys to seek and destroy on the field, there are times when the similarities to the Hurricanes of old might be too much.
