Big Ten Preview- #4 Michigan State

Michigan State Spartans
Projected #2 (tie) in Legends Division
2010 Record: 11-2 (7-1)

Last year was the most successful season in the history of Michigan State football in regards to total wins (11), which was quite the compliment to a co-Big Ten championship and a victory over fellow co-champ Wisconsin. Their attempt at an encore to that historic performance is probably out of the question, however they will certainly be in the conversation to play in the first ever Big Ten Championship game.

Led by QB Kirk Cousins and one of the best running back tandems in the conference (Larry Caper, Edwin Baker and Le'Veon Bell), the Spartan offense could be even better than last year with six key starters returning. WRs B.J. Cunningham, Keshawn Martin and QB-turned-receiver Keith Nichol will form one of the more consistent receiving units in the conference, although Cousins better hope for similar offensive line production to last season as only two starters return up front. While Cousins may not be as comfortable throwing to his targets as he was last year with the lack of experience on the front line, I expect a mature and composed leader such as he to be able to deliver on the expectations of leading a strong offensive attack.
I am also on record as saying that I like MSU's big three at running back more than Wisconsin's 1-2 punch, as they offer more overall in terms of what you want out of complete ball carriers. What does that mean for MSU? It means that Cousins won't have to do all the work once again.

Then there is the defense. Oh man! Sparty was good last year on that side of the ball, weren't they? Greg Jones and Eric Gordon were studs at linebacker - especially Jones who was a consensus All-American - while guys like Colin Nealy, Marcus Hyde and Chris Rucker were consistently making plays to help seal the deal in close games. Another interesting note about those players: they are all gone! MSU isn't exactly a defensive factory where you lose a highly productive guy and another one is just biting at the bit to show off his stuff and deliver on his predecessor's expectations. They won't be as good as last year as a team because they will lack playmakers that will be able to create turnovers, disrupt the opposing quarterback, etc. I like CB Johnny Adams a lot, and DT Jerel Worthy is an All-Big Ten candidate, but everyone else will need to step up BIG TIME if this team expects to make it to the Big Ten championship.

I like Coach Dantonio, as he was once the defensive coordinator for the 2002 national champion Ohio State Buckeyes, however I am not sold on his ability to field a consistent winning team in East Lansing year after year. Notice I have used the word consistent plenty of times in this write up. There is a reason for that.

Michigan State is not a consistent program. Expect a drop-off from last year in wins, magic and overall play - although the offense will be very fun to watch.

Predicted Record: 8-4 (5-3)