3 reasons Michigan State isn’t doomed following Ed Davis’ injury
Oct 12, 2013; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans linebacker Ed Davis (43) looks over Indiana Hoosiers offense during the second half in a game at Spartan Stadium. MSU won 42-28. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
News broke last last night via the Michigan State football Twitter account that senior linebacker Ed Davis would miss the entire 2015 season due to a knee injury. The injury has yet to be specified, but the blow to the MSU defense is obvious.
LB Ed Davis suffered a season-ending knee injury midway through Wednesday’s first preseason practice in full pads. #Spartans
— Michigan State Football (@MSU_Football) August 13, 2015
Head coach Mark Dantonio was clearly upset with the loss and had nothing but high praise for his underrated senior linebacker.
Dantonio: We’re so disappointed for Ed Davis, & his presence in the lineup will be missed. Ed is a tremendous playmaker & a solid leader.
— Michigan State Football (@MSU_Football) August 13, 2015
Dantonio: He will still have an important role on this team, & he might have the opportunity to qualify for a sixth year of eligibility.
— Michigan State Football (@MSU_Football) August 13, 2015
It’s unclear whether a sixth-year of eligibility will actually happen as he would have to apply and it would need to be approved by the NCAA, but that just means Michigan State will need to look for a replacement for the remainder of the 2015 season.
Many fans seemed distraught over the loss of the linebacker who was expected to do big things in 2015, but I’m here to tell you that it will all be OK.
In fact, I’ve come up with three reasons as to why the Spartans’ 2015 defense is not doomed without the veteran leader.
Let’s take a look at what those reasons are and let me know how you feel afterward. Hint: a College Football Playoff appearance is still just as possible as it was before the injury.
Next: 3. Immense depth