Michigan State Football: 5 reasons the Spartans will win it all in 2015

Jan 1, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive end Shilique Calhoun (89) during warmups before the game against the Baylor Bears in the 2015 Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium. The Spartans defeated the Bears 42-41. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

4. Veteran leadership

The amount of veterans on this team is ridiculous. Looking at every position, there are guys who have been on the team for years and who know how to lead.

Related: MSU Football: 5 potential breakout stars for 2015

Another thing these veterans know well? Winning. Being part of one of the winningest classes to ever come through Michigan State, these third, fourth and fifth-year guys are loaded with experience when it comes to winning the Rose Bowl, Cotton Bowl and finishing in the top five nationally.

No one on the current roster has ever lost a bowl game as the fifth-year guys were there when Kirk Cousins helped lead MSU to a 2011 Outback Bowl title, Andrew Maxwell and Connor Cook a 2012 Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl victory and exclusively Cook for the Rose and Cotton Bowl wins.

Veterans on this team such as Cook, Shilique Calhoun, Jack Conklin, Jack Allen, RJ Williamson, Lawrence Thomas, Joel Heath, Donavon Clark, Aaron Burbridge, Delton Williams, Macgarrett Kings and DeAnthony Arnett have all been through the ups and downs.

Losing to Ohio State last year taught them that nothing will ever come easy, even if you’re the favorite.

Not many teams in college football have the luxury of relying on veteran leaders who have won, know how to win and are so hungry to win it all that it drives them crazy. Michigan State has that.

Next: 3. Trenches