Michigan State Football: 5 reasons Spartans can still win Big Ten title

Even after a loss to Northwestern on Saturday evening, Michigan State can still win the Big Ten title, and here’s why.

Youth had been the common theme for Michigan State this past offseason, but once the year began, everyone stopped feeling sorry for the Spartans. Why? Because the team had proven itself with a 6-1 start and wins over Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota and Indiana to start conference play.

Northwestern stood in the way of a potential 5-0 start, but Michigan State’s late comeback was dampened by a triple-overtime loss. Still, the Spartans are 4-1 in conference play, but just about everyone has counted them out. Mark Dantonio knows the conference title is still in play, but it won’t be an easy task to come out of the East.

It’s still possible, though.

Here’s why Michigan State can still win the Big Ten title after a rough showing at Northwestern.

5. Developing playmakers on offense

Besides Brian Lewerke, who is an obvious playmaker, the Spartans have been developing more playmakers by the week. That’s bad news for the rest of the conference. This team is young and getting better by the week and it starts with the offense.

The Spartans’ defense has already been strong all season, but if the performance against Northwestern is any indication, the sky is the limit for the offense.

For example, Cody White has broken out in a big way, catching 15 passes for 264 yards and two touchdowns over the past two games. He looks the part of a No. 1 receiver and if he can continue his upward trend, the Spartans are going to be tough to stop in the passing game.

It’s not only White, though, as Felton Davis III is the most reliable target on the team, Darrell Stewart Jr. is a big play waiting to happen, Hunter Rison is a future star in the slot and guys like Trishton Jackson and Cam Chambers have yet to hit their strides.

Playmakers are developing at a high rate and the offense is going to benefit.