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He has run with the bulls in Spain, jumped from an airplane at 14,000 feet and climbed to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Michigan State Spartan's John L. Smith clearly is not afraid to take risks. So why should his coaching style be any different?
Smith employs a pass-happy spread offense and a go-for-broke defense that caused 29 turnovers, the most in the Big Ten last season, but allowed 27 touchdown passes, also the most.
During Michigan State Spartan's spring ball, Smith wasn't afraid to move two of his best running backs to defense.
And last season he didn't hesitate to deploy backup Michigan State Spartan's quarterback Drew Stanton on special teams.
Some would rip Smith for that call, given that Stanton blew out his right knee on punt coverage during the Alamo Bowl. But neither Smith nor Stanton regrets the decision.
Carpe diem. Seize the day.
Many people say it, but how many live it?
"You want them to understand: Life's very short," Smith said. "The dear Lord only gives you so many snaps. Don't waste a snap. Don't waste a day."
Smith hasn't wasted a day since being hired for the Michigan State Spartan's Dec. 19, 2002, to clean up the mess left by Bobby Williams. Smith, coming off a solid five-year run at Louisville, took a 4-8 Michigan State team and doubled its victory total in his first season.
A nice start, but if you think Smith is satisfied, he'll point to a sign in his office that reads: Rose Bowl.
"Hey, we're going to get there," he said.
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