It's Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood, and the Big Ten is just living in it. Spartans WR Charles Rogers is so good that QB Jeff Smoker spent the summer strengthening his arm to be able to reach him. So good that losing RB T.J. Duckett, who racked up almost 80% of MSU's rushing yards, isn't a source of great concern in East Lansing. So good that the "S" on his helmet could just as well be on his chest. Rogers' 1,470 yards last year was the second-highest season total in Big Ten history. "He's got very good hands," says MSU offensive coordinator Morris Watts, "but what's special is that, even when he's running full speed, he still has an extra gear that allows him to catch up to the ball. Not only can he run by you, he has the toughness to go up and get the ball." Smoker and Rogers hooked up for 12 TDs and 1,200 yards. Now, after a full season together, they figure to be even more productive. Smoker says the 6'4" Rogers "always looks open." But so did Smoker last year when opposing pocket-crashers came calling. The starting O-line allowed 33 sacks in conference play, and the leaky unit returns intact. Fortunately, the secondary, led by CB combo Broderick Nelson and Cedric Henry, is among the Big Ten's best -- fourth in the conference in pass defense last season despite injuries and an anemic pass rush. Of course, Spartans DBs didn't have to face Rogers.

	It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood.

HOT WIRE

If the schedule is any indication, someone at the Big Ten office likes Bobby Williams and the Spartans: Eight of Michigan State's games are at home, including all but one of its first eight; the Spartans don't play Ohio State or Illinois; and only three of their opponents were better than .500 last year. Don't be surprised to see Michigan State at 8–0 heading into Ann Arbor on Nov. 2.

TRIP WIRE

Last year MSU was seventh in total D in the Big 10 and eighth in run defense, and had just 19 sacks. DE Kyle Rasmussen is a budding star. Stud Mike Labinjo, moving to MLB to replace Josh Thornhill, may be the D's key. If the front seven don't slow anyone down, MSU's title hopes vanish.

WIRE TAP

"They've probably got as much skill and talent as there is in the league. Smoker is the real deal, and Rogers is unbelievable -- he is one of the top two guys in the Big 10. You can't let him beat you over the top, and you're going to have to double-team him at times. They're tough, especially since that quarterback is only going to get better."

BRISTOL WIRE

Trev Alberts: "They could start 8–0, but they'll be exposed once they play someone tough and the pressure mounts on Bobby Williams, who's won just five games in Big Ten play."

The ESPN Power 16
1	Oklahoma	9	Colorado
2	Florida State	10	Washington State
3	Miami	11	Washington
4	Texas	12	Oregon
5	Tennessee	13	Nebraska
6	Florida	14	Michigan State
7	Georgia	15	Virginia Tech
8	Ohio State	16	LSU

This article appears in the September 2 issue of ESPN The Magazine.

Buy this issue now!