Michigan State Football: 10 bold predictions for 2017 Big Ten play
7. Defense finishes with 25 sacks
Don’t laugh at this one just yet. Through three games, Michigan State’s defense has recorded six total sacks. During all of last season, the Spartans had just 11 total. That’s quite the difference in just one year even after losing guys like Malik McDowell and a couple of others.
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The defensive line has been thinned out, but the Spartans still have plenty of talent up front. Kenny Willekes looks like the next Marcus Rush. He’s an underrated defensive end, and former walk-on, and he could be the breakout star up front. Demetrius Cooper is another solid weapon. Dillon Alexander, who starts, and Justice Alexander ensure depth. Jacob Panasiuk is starring as a freshman.
Mike Panasiuk and Raequan Williams have been solid in the middle while Gerald Owens and Naquan Jones have also been forces. Contrary to popular belief, there is talent up front.
Think of it this way, in order for Michigan State to finish with 25 sacks this year, it would have to average about two sacks per game for the rest of the year with maybe one or two weeks having three. That’s doable with a young line which is continuing to grow and improve and blitzing linebackers like Andrew Dowell and Chris Frey.