Spartan Avenue
Fansided

Michigan State Football: Will Spartans be contenders or pretenders in 2018?

By Stephen Robb

EVANSTON, IL - OCTOBER 28: Head coach Mark Dantonio of the Michigan State Spartans talks to his team before a game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field on October 28, 2017 in Evanston, Illinois. Northwestern defeated Michigan State 39-31 in triple overtime. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
EVANSTON, IL - OCTOBER 28: Head coach Mark Dantonio of the Michigan State Spartans talks to his team before a game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field on October 28, 2017 in Evanston, Illinois. Northwestern defeated Michigan State 39-31 in triple overtime. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Michigan State surprised many by its incredible turnaround last year, going 10-3. However, will it be able to contend for the Big Ten Championship?

In 2016, Michigan State finished a dismal 3-9, but recovered with a surprising 10-3 record in 2017. Many have called the Spartans a dark-horse contender for the Big Ten title. However, others also have the Green and White finishing fourth in the Big Ten East.

Must Read: MSU Football: 5 underclassmen who could break out in 2018

There were a few games like Indiana and Iowa where the Spartans received some key breaks down the stretch to secure clutch wins — there’s an old saying that it’s just about surviving and advancing. While that’s true, there is something to be said about style points. I have predicted that the Spartans will lose between 1-2 games in 2018. I basis that on the thinking that the offensive and defensive lines will be much improved from the youth movement last year.

It was an up-and-down year for the offense and defense in 2017. There were times where the offense seemed unstoppable and other games where one wondered if MSU forgot where the end zone was (like the Indiana or Ohio State games). For a young team to do as well as they did, it gives hope that 2018 could be special.

However, if the Spartans are unable to take that next step forward then they could be staring at a seven or eight-win season. The first real test is at Arizona State. It’ll be a night game in the heat of the desert. The last time MSU faced heat like that was in Oregon and they came out on the losing side of that one. But if they can defeat the Sun Devils then it will be a sign of the growth that this squad has made.

The Spartans will be motivated against their rivals, but it is games at Nebraska and Penn State and then a home game against Northwestern that will determine whether this team can be a contender. If they drop any of those games then it will be a missed opportunity for this talented squad.

Next: MSU Football: Post-spring 2018 game-by-game predictions

I’m optimistic that this team has the ability and talent to flourish this year. This season could be special for the green and white.

Home/Spartans Football