Penn State football will start training camp in a few short weeks and after that the season will quickly arrive. So as July slowly turns into August it is time to look ahead to the opponents the Nittany Lions will face this season. And so here are a few things to know about Michigan State.
Offense:
If anyone has a claim on being the conference’s best quarterback not in an Ohio State uniform and not named Christian Hackenberg it’s Connor Cook. The Spartans have gone as Cook has gone and he has done very well in his time at Michigan State. The real question will be who can replace Tony Lippett, Cook’s go-to target and reliable catcher of the ball. It shouldn’t be hard to do, but that kind of chemistry takes time to build. The running back position is a little less clear but will have time to figure itself out. Overall the Spartans return six starters on offense but the offensive line is more or less returning which is perhaps the most important part.
Defense:
Seven players returning to one of the best defenses in the nation. The Spartans will need to replace safety Kurtis Drummond and elite cornerback Trae Waynes but still return defensive end Lawrence Thomas and one of the best defensive ends in the nation in Shilique Calhoun. Michigan State has built its recent success on the backs of solid defense and with enough of those pieces returning that shouldn’t be hard to continue this season.
Biggest Game:
If Michigan State is going to make an early claim for a playoff spot it will come in Week 2 with a home meeting against Oregon. The Ducks took care of Michigan State last year but the Spartans played better than the final score indicated. Either way, Michigan State should cruise until a trip to Michigan on October 17th. From there trips to Nebraska and Ohio State are the only other true tests.
Biggest Storyline:
Michigan State is solidly one of the best teams in the nation, the question now is if the Spartans can take that next step to try and oust Ohio State as the top dog. With Cook out the door after this season it may only be a short battle for the throne but Michigan State has a viable shot to make that next step.
Prediction:
Penn State might be a good team this year, but Michigan State is going to have too much going for it in the final week of the season to lose at home.
