At this point, the No. 1 job of MSU’s defensive coaching staff is breathing some confidence into their beleaguered players. The Spartans aren’t the most talented crew, but teams have been far better than this with less. The question is: Can MSU find some success against Maryland that gives them some confidence and a little swagger? If the Spartans can get off the field on a couple third downs or come up with an early turnover or big sack or stuff the run on third-and-short … that could do wonders for them (As long as the offense doesn’t screw it up like after the goal-line stand at Washington.