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Michigan State Football: Athlon Sports predicts Quick Lane Bowl in 2017

By Connor Muldowney

EAST LANSING, MI - OCTOBER 29: LJ Scott #3 of the Michigan State Spartans runs for a short gain as Jourdan Lewis #26 of the Michigan Wolverines makes the stop during the fourth quarter of the game at Spartan Stadium on October 29, 2016 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan defeated Michigan State 32-23. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - OCTOBER 29: LJ Scott #3 of the Michigan State Spartans runs for a short gain as Jourdan Lewis #26 of the Michigan Wolverines makes the stop during the fourth quarter of the game at Spartan Stadium on October 29, 2016 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan defeated Michigan State 32-23. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /
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Athlon Sports has projected Michigan State football in the 2017 Quick Lane Bowl against Wake Forest.

Anything is a step up from what Michigan State football brought to the table in 2016. The Spartans struggled to even muster up three victories all while losing to rivals Michigan, Ohio State and Wisconsin at home.

Must Read: MSU Football: All-time Mark Dantonio team

Heck, Michigan State’s only victories in 2016 were against FCS squad Furman, Notre Dame which finished 4-8 and Rutgers which has been known as the laughing stock of the Big Ten since joining a few years back. The senior captains failed to live up to the hype and none of them were on the All-Big Ten radar by the end of the season.

Well, it’s time to look ahead to 2017. Michigan State is bringing back some solid talent in guys like Trishton Jackson, Brian Lewerke, LJ Scott, Justin Layne, Mike Panasiuk, Raequan Williams and Chris Frey, among others. Everyone’s mindset is focused on a quick turnaround, but will it happen?

According to Athlon Sports‘ early 2017 bowl projections, Michigan State will once again be heading to postseason play, putting behind a rough 2016. However, the Quick Lane Bowl isn’t exactly something Michigan State fans would be proud of a year ago at this time, but even doubling up on wins is an accomplishment after the horrid past year.

The publications predicted the Spartans would face Wake Forest from the ACC. The game takes place in Detroit, Mich., the day after Christmas and is the replacement for the former Little Caesars Bowl.

Next: MSU Recruiting: 5 bold predictions for July

Do you think the Spartans can win closer to 7-8 games and earn an even higher respected bowl game? The 2017 season could end up being Mark Dantonio’s best coaching job yet if he can reach the postseason.

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