Spartans Prepare for Another National Title Run

The Spartans are focused on another run at the National Title with 11 starters returning from a team that battled devastating injuries all season long but still managed to win the Big Ten Title and earn a bid to the Football Final Four. Offensively the Spartans return more fire power than any other BigTen team. It wasn't by accident that the Spartans outlasted Ohio State. And although most Michigan faithful feel the Wolverines have closed the gap on the Spartans evidenced by Michigan State's last second win last season, the reality is the Spartans limped into that game in Ann Arbor without ten starters due to injuries. It's a testament to the grit of Dantonio coached teams that the Spartans still found a way to leave Ann Arbor with a win despite fielding only half of their team.

Nationally many view the Spartans' offensive line as MSU's biggest weakness losing three starters to graduation. However that's not the case. The Spartans rotated eight players on the front line last season, returning five players with significant experience anchored by junior center Brian Allen and Senior right tackle Kodi Keiler. At wide receiver the Spartans are solid with returning play maker Senior R.J. Sheldon, Sophomore Felton Davis III who is poised for a breakout season. and early enrolled Donnie Corley who turned heads in spring practice. Couple that trio with two more highly ranked incoming freshmen receivers, and the Spartans could have a banner year throwing the ball. Michigan State's biggest strength may be their running game, consisting of three powerful returning runners lead by starter LJ Scott. Anyone doubting Scott's abilities need only to view the Spartans final drive against a strong Iowa defense that sealed the Big Ten Title. Finally, many writers predict a MSU downturn similar to 2012 due to the change in quarterback. What they don’t know is that they only saw a small fraction of Tyler O’Connor’s talent in last year’s win over the Buckeye’s when Tyler stepped into an impossible situation with the injury to Connor Cook, and played like the veteran he is. As a fifth year senior, O’Connor has patiently waited his turn. Anyone that thinks he will squander this opportunity hasn’t seen the intensity this kid brings to the field. This Spartan offense is the best offense in the Big Ten and will end up surprising many.

The kicking game will be another strength with the return of two starters, senior kicker Michael Geiger and sophomore punter Jake Hartbarger.

The Spartan defense returns seven starter anchored by the best line backing corps in the conference lead by senior Riley Bullough and junior Jon Reschke, coupled with highly experienced junior Chris Frey and sophomore Andrew Dowel. The “no-fly-zone” has the makings for the best secondary in the nation with the return of senior starters Darian Hicks and Demetrious Cox, junior starter Montae Nicholson at strong safety, and the return of one of the best cornerbacks in the nation Vayante Copeland. This group could very well mimic the lock down capabilities of the 2013 team. The front four could terrorize quarterbacks again this season, led by the best player in the Big Ten junior preseason All-American NT Malik McDowell. Injuries last season forced the rotation of a number of players on the defensive line providing for valuable experience. That experience will pay off this season with the return of junior DE Demetrius Cooper and senior Daman Knox. The return of sixth year senior 2015 preseason All Big Ten linebacker Ed Davis would make this one of the most feared defenses in the nation should he be granted another year of eligibility.

Dantonio has been quietly recruiting higher caliber players consistent with the best teams in the nation. It is no fluke Michigan State has a five year record unequaled in college football. When things are quiet in E. Lansing, it usually means other teams should start to worry.