Spartans have unfinished business in 2012

Mark Dantonio spoke of unfinished business in his sixth season as Michigan State's head football coach, yet the growth in the first five years is unmistakable.

After back-to-back 11-win seasons, a Big Ten title, a berth in the first conference championship game and a triple-overtime bowl win over an SEC runner-up, the Spartans have gained national respect and stamped themselves as a Rose Bowl contender.

With eight starters back from one of the country's top defenses, the questions are whether fourth-year junior Andrew Maxwell can replace school career passing leader Kirk Cousins and a young corps of wide receivers can do the job with a demanding schedule. It starts with a visit from Boise State on Aug. 31.