Michigan State Football: 5 bold predictions for November

Sep 12, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans safety Montae Nicholson (9) gestures to the crowd during the 2nd half of a game at Spartan Stadium. MSU won 31-28. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

2. Montae Nicholson will get over slump

It really has been a nightmare of a season for sophomore safety Montae Nicholson. Many people were comparing Nicholson and Michigan’s redshirt freshman Jabrill Peppers before the season, but it’s clear that one is underachieving while the other is part of the best secondary in the Big Ten.

Nicholson came into the 2015 season with crazy high expectations and goals set for himself, hoping to not squander the opportunity Dantonio had given him to start and lead the defense as a true sophomore. However, it seems like he may be doing just that.

Through non-conference play, it became clear that Montae had a tough time reading routes and quarterbacks and he became known for making poor attempts at tackles and even getting burned deep on a couple of occasions. This was the exact opposite of what everyone was expecting and he found himself on the bench in parts of the Central Michigan game due to his struggles.

That time on the sidelines continued and he is currently no longer the starting safety as true freshmen Grayson Miller and Khari Willis now start at the two safety positions. Nicholson still comes in during certain situations and the coaching staff remains high on him.

Nicholson is going through a mental struggle right now because we all know he has the physical talent to be great. I’m going to say he will have a breakout final month of the year after a nice week off to clear his mind and watch film to better himself.

This kid is not going to give up, and we will soon see that.

Next: 1. Michigan State will beat Ohio State