Michigan State vs Purdue: 5 bold predictions

Aug 29, 2014; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans cornerback Darian Hicks (2) reacts to a play during the 1st half of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

3. Darian Hicks will earn the starting CB job

Now that he is fully recovered from his bout with mononucleosis, Darian Hicks will emerge as the replacement for Vayante Copeland. Although he will not be getting the start, which goes to Ajren Colquhoun, during his time on the field he will make several pass breakups and come down with an interception.

Must Read: MSU Football: What worked/didn’t work against CMU

People have seemed to jump off the Darian Hicks bandwagon over the past year following a tough couple of games, but he truly might be the best option for the Spartans at the corner position opposite Demetrious Cox.

Before the Ohio State game last year, Hicks was an effective corner. The Buckeyes picked on Hicks, who wasn’t the only player who had a bad night on defense, and his confidence was never the same for the rest of the season.

Coming into fall camp, Hicks was listed as the co-starter but his illness effectively took him out of the competition for the starting spot. Back to full strength, and coming off a strong performance in the second half against Central Michigan, he will receive a championship grade playing level from the coaching staff and be the new starter across from Cox.

Next: 2. Monte Nicholson