Ringer is Ready for Michigan

While Javon Ringer is technically a junior, this week will be his first complete Michigan week in a Spartan uniform. As a freshman, Ringer wowed fans with his play on the field. But, because of former head coach John L. Smith's rule that kept freshman from speaking to the media, Ringer wasn't heard from off the field all season. Of course, he could talk last year as a sophomore, but he was unable to play against the Wolverines because of a knee injury. This season, Ringer has been sensational on the field (201 touches, 1,347 all purpose yards, 6 TDs) and was in rare form for the media earlier this week as the Spartans prepare for the 100th meeting with their arch-rival from Ann Arbor.

For 35 of the last 37 years, there has been one commandment in this series -- "They Who Rush for The Most Yards Wins." This year should be no exception, as Ringer and Jehuu Caulcrick will try to out gain the Michigan backfield led by Mike Hart. Ringer was asked about Hart this week and had nothing but praise for the relentless ballcarrier.

"One thing I try to take from him is his attitude on the field," Ringer said. "He is always determined to get a first down or a touchdown. He is a very strong, powerful running back that any other running back has to admire. You'd have to be in denial to say he is not a good running back."

While the chants of "Appalachian State" will likely never end as long as there are Spartans and Buckeyes still breathing, most keen observers of this season's Wolverine squad know that they are a much improved team from early September. In addition, having quarterback Chad Henne and Hart back in the lineup Saturday can only help the Michigan's confidence on both sides of the ball.

"In order for us to win we are going to have to establish a running game," Ringer said. "We are going to have to bring our A-game against Michigan's defense."

The vibe that Ringer is happy to be part of this matchup again after last year's mid-season stint in the M*A*S*H unit is loud and clear.

"I'm really looking forward to it," Ringer said. "I did not get to play last year because of my knee and all, but I'm feeling good now and can't wait to get on the field Saturday. I felt disappointment last year that I couldn't play and saw the disappointment in my teammates' faces when we lost. That's something that we are going to try and change this year."

There is usually plenty of anticipation during the days leading up to the annual Backyard Brawl. This year thus-far it seems to be a little more low-key. While the Wolverines are back near the Top Ten after starting the season 0-2, the Spartans are trying to regroup after back-to-back road losses. While the schools' respective fan bases maybe slowing getting into gear. The Spartans have had this week on their minds since the day Mark Dantonio sat down at his desk at the Duffy eleven months ago.

"The buildup is pretty much over," Ringer said. "All that is left is the game now. A win in this game could really change our season."

Much has been made of the "Michigan Clock" that has been busy ticking off the seconds toward Saturday's kickoff. The clock was on display at the Spartans practice facility this week. According to Ringer, the clock and its meaning is being blown out of proportion.

"This clock is not being thrown in (Michigan's) faces," Ringer said. "This clock is not for them. It is for us. I don't really even think they consider us a rival because they have beaten us so much lately. That's something that we are going to try and change (Saturday). The Michigan game is important for us. And to see Coach Dantonio come in right away and emphasize it, he made it clear that it was important to him. This game is top on my list, especially because I have only played them once. A lot of people look at us as Michigan's little brother. I know that bothers us."

Being looked at as Michigan's little brother has always seemed to haunt the Green and White faithful. While much of that inferiority complex is self-imposed and reinforced by Maize and Blue fans and the national media, little of it is justified. As far as Ringer's concerned, winning Saturday stops all the inferiority talk in its tracks.

"As much talk that is being done, nothing is better than showing it out on the field," Ringer said. "We can talk all we want about how we feel good and about how we practice. All the talk in the world means nothing. We have to get out there and show it on Saturday."