Between the waves of optimism and the endless gushing of a young MSU core, there was a select group of Spartans guiding their underclassmen counterparts along the way.
Some led behind the scenes, others at the front line, also known as the line of scrimmage. They're called the "bounce back" class, a term dubbed by head coach Mark Dantonio.
The team awards announced Sunday had their collective fingerprints firmly smudged all over the plaques. Both captains — linebacker Chris Frey and center Brian Allen — earned the Downtown Coaches Club award as their respective position group's outstanding player.