The Michigan State Spartans did all they could to reach the National Championship game last year but an early season loss to Notre Dame dented their hopes more than they thought.  Despite beating no. 23 Michigan and no. 2 Ohio State in the final week,  Auburn’s heroics saw them receive the nod.  A weak schedule was their downfall but,  nevertheless,  a  12-1 record came to a head when they impressively defeated Stanford 24-20 in the Rose Bowl.

Top Newcomers

Malik McDowell, defensive lineman: Five-star recruit,  and the number one player in the state of Michigan,  McDowell,  chose the Spartans over the Michigan Wolverines at much dismay to his mother.  After a prolonged signing period,  he fills the boots vacated by now Indianapolis Colt Tyler Hoover.  McDowell is a tremendous run stuffer and will contribute right away.

T.J. Harrell, athlete: A high school running back,  safety and linebacker,  Harrell is a versatile athlete who can fill a number of roles.  With Max Bullough and Denicos Allen moving on there is room for the freshman at linebacker as either a starter or a third-down player.  With big wide receiver sets,  linebacker/safety hybrids are a necessity.

Top Returning Players

Shilique Calhoun, defensive end: The 2013 All-American had a tremendous sophomore season making plays all over the field.  14 tackles for a loss,  7.5 sacks,  two forced fumbles,  two fumbles returned for a touchdown as well as an interception returned for a touchdown made him an imposing figure for offensive lines.  The 6’4” star will only get better as a junior.

Kurtis Drummond, safety: Drummond loses his safety partner Isaiah Lewis for the upcoming season but the 2013 All-Big 12 selection is more than capable of making plays on his own.  91 tackles,  six passes broken up,  four interceptions with one returned for a touchdown and a forced fumble gives you an idea of what Drummond is doing all over the field.  With cornerback Darqueze Dennard also leaving for the NFL,  the senior must take charge of the defensive backfield.

Positional Breakdown

Quarterback: Junior Connor Cook will once again lead the way after a 2,755-yard,  22-touchdown sophomore campaign.  Promising 6’3” sophomore Tyler O’Connor will be his understudy.

Running Back: 1,422-yard and 18-touchdown man Jeremy Langford returns for his senior year and he will be complemented by fellow senior Nick Hill and sophomore Delton Williams.

Wide Receiver: Seniors Tony Lippett and Keith Mumphrey will line up alongside junior Macgarrett Kings Jr.  Aaron Burbridge saw game time in 2013 and will also push for snaps.

Tight End: Josiah Price caught 17 passes and four touchdowns as a freshman and is set to develop while senior Andrew Gleichert will see more time as a blocker.

Offensive Tackle: 2013 starters Jack Conklin and Donavon Clark will return to book-end the line.  Left tackle Conklin,  in particular,  has the potential to be a future pro.

Guard: Travis Jackson took over the right guard job early last season and but is pegged to play on the left side this year.  The right guard spot belongs to fifth-year senior Connor Kruse.

Center: Junior Jack Allen was also a 2013 All-Big 12 selection and he anchors the offensive line at one of the most important positions.  Should he go down injured then Kruse will slide in from guard.

Defensive End: Calhoun is locked into one side of the defense and Marcus Rush,  who had five sacks as a junior,  will play on the other side.  Redshirted freshman Demetrius Cooper will back them up.

Defensive Tackle: Joel Heath has added 30 pounds after transitioning from defensive end to defensive tackle.  Damon Knox is the nose tackle and he is expected to make a considerable jump from his sophomore year.

Linebackers: 67-sack man Taiwan Jones remains at the heart of the defense and will be flanked by two new starters.  Ed Davis saw minimal action last year and will step into the other linebacker spot with fellow junior Darien Harris occupying the ‘star’ position.

Cornerback: Trae Waynes had three sacks as a sophomore and will start again.  Darien Hicks will go from two tackles to a fully-fledged cornerback.

Safety: Drummond is a leader and takes the free safety spot while 2013 nickel defensive back RJ Williamson steps into the role vacated by Lewis.

Special Teams: Michael Geiger made 15 of 16 field goal attempts as a junior and will be just as reliable this time around.  Punter Mike Salder received All-Big 12 honors in ’13 and will be at it again as a senior.

Biggest Strengths

The Spartans are in good shape at the offensive skill positions.  Cook is a solid,  proven starter who can get wins while Langford is pushing up his draft status with every carry.  At wide receiver Bennie Fowler was the big-play merchant but Lippett and Kings Jr caught 86 passes for 1,022 yards and five touchdowns between them. 

Biggest Weaknesses

The offensive line lacks long-term experience and welcomes two new starters in 2014.  Developing the five players into a mature,  thinking as one unit will be a top priority for the coaches as the Summer wears on.  Furthermore,  should an injury occur it will unlikely result in a straight swap with a lot of reshuffling likely to occur.

Schedule