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Michigan State Football: 5 biggest questions facing the Spartans in spring 2018

By Connor Muldowney

PISCATAWAY, NJ - NOVEMBER 25: Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans rolls out against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during their game on November 25, 2017 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)
PISCATAWAY, NJ - NOVEMBER 25: Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans rolls out against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during their game on November 25, 2017 in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images) /
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SAN DIEGO, CA – DECEMBER 28: Joe Bachie #35 of the Michigan State Spartans motions a first down after Michigan State Spartans recover a fumble by the Washington State Cougars during the second half of the SDCCU Holiday Bowl at SDCCU Stadium on December 28, 2017 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA – DECEMBER 28: Joe Bachie #35 of the Michigan State Spartans motions a first down after Michigan State Spartans recover a fumble by the Washington State Cougars during the second half of the SDCCU Holiday Bowl at SDCCU Stadium on December 28, 2017 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

2. Will the defense live up to expectations?

Everyone is already expecting Michigan State’s defense to approach what the 2013 team did in terms of absolute domination. The Spartans have talent at just about every position that’s worthy of All-Big Ten honors, but can they live up to the expectations or fall slightly flat like they did in the 2015 season?

Let’s break down each position group and talk about just how good this unit can be.

First off, there’s the defensive line. The ends don’t have much depth, but Justice Alexander is a name that has come up a lot this spring and Kenny Willekes, along with Jacob Panasiuk, could be All-Big Ten candidates as well. The interior of the line is stocked with Mike Panasiuk, Gerald Owens, Naquan Jones and Raequan Williams.

The linebackers are led by All-Big Ten man in the middle, Joe Bachie. He broke out in 2017 and could be one of the top linebackers in college football in 2018. He has Andrew Dowell to his side at STAR, with Antjuan Simmons backing him up, and both Brandon Randle and Tyriq Thompson at SAM.

In the defensive backfield, the Spartans are loaded with potential All-Big Ten first-teamers. Justin Layne and Josiah Scott are back starting at the cornerback spots. Josh Butler is there for some depth as well. Khari Willis and David Dowell are returning at the safeties. Both were impressive in 2017.

This defense could be the best in the Big Ten if it lives up to the hype, but will it?

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