Michigan State Spartans:
Which team will finish last in this 18-team superconference? Michigan State is the most likely cellar dweller, following the firing of Mel Tucker during a 4-8 disaster. The rebuilding has begun in East Lansing, where things will be looking up soon enough due to the arrival of new coach Jonathan Smith. At Oregon State, Smith quickly turned around a program in pitiful shape and went 18-8 the past two years. When the Pac-12 fell apart, Smith was smart to take the Big Ten money and run.
Offense
Smith brought his top quarterback prospect from Oregon State. As a true freshman backup for the Beavers, Aidan Chiles completed 24 of 35 passes for 309 yards and four touchdowns without an interception. He’s also got running ability and should eventually develop into a star. His backup now is Tommy Schuster, another transfer who started for four years at North Dakota. The Spartans bring back their leading rusher, Nathan Carter, and leading receiver, Montorie Foster. Senior center Tanner Miller anchors the line, which could be a weakness, as a former Oregon State starter. Tight end Jack Velling also started for the Beavers and made an impact. Michigan State was shut out twice last year, by Michigan and Penn State, but Smith will build a much better offense.
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Defense
Senior linebacker Cal Haladay, who led the team with 91 tackles, is one of only a few returning starters. But as with many other teams, veteran transfers will fill several starting roles. The Spartans lost several transfers in the spring and will welcome key transfers from Wisconsin, Oregon, Arizona State, Georgia Tech, Old Dominion and UCF. Smith also hired defensive coordinator Joe Rossi away from Minnesota. Rossi is highly respected, but he’s got a lot of work to do.
Outlook
Aside from home games against Florida Atlantic and Prairie View A&M, the Spartans rarely will be favored. The Big Ten schedule includes Michigan, Ohio State, Oregon and Iowa. So, why is the win total set at 5? Michigan State does get Indiana, Purdue and Rutgers at home. If Chiles turns into the playmaker Smith expects him to become, the Spartans could win six games and get to a bowl. But with six being the best-scenario, it’s probably better to bet on four or five wins. Smith is a turnaround artist, so this team won’t stay down for too long.
Pick: Under 5 Wins
