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Michigan State Football: Who’ll be named All-Big Ten first-team in 2018?

By Justin Thind

ANN ARBOR, MI - OCTOBER 07: Joe Bachie #35 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates with his team after intercepting the ball during the third quarter of the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Michigan 14-10. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI - OCTOBER 07: Joe Bachie #35 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates with his team after intercepting the ball during the third quarter of the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Michigan 14-10. (Photo by Leon Halip/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) /

Joe Bachie, LB

In 2017, Joe Bachie had a terrific sophomore season. He had 100 total tackles, five pass breakups, three interceptions and two forced fumbles. Out of all the linebackers in the country, he had the 11th lowest pass rating against (59.2). On top of that, he has the third-best run-stop percentage among returning backers.

Looking at all of these stats, Bachie is clearly a versatile player that has many strengths and very few weaknesses. Due to this, he’s a player that can be on the field often and as a part of many different defensive packages and situations. Combining this with the physical durability and warrior mentality he showcased in 2017, Bachie should get more than enough snaps to rack up the big numbers needed to earn himself a spot on the first-team.

As far as the position outlook in respect to the Big Ten as a whole is concerned, it is very much wide open. There are three linebacker spots on the first-team and Bachie should be able to separate himself as a top-three linebacker in the conference.

Additionally, the only player that seems like a favorite for a spot right now is Michigan’s Devin Bush. Besides that, some players that look to be in the running alongside Bachie include TJ Edwards (Washington),  Khaleke Hudson (Michigan), Paddy Fisher (Northwestern), Thomas Barber (Minnesota) and Markus Bailey (Purdue). So, as stated, very much wide-open for Bachie to seize the opportunity.

All in all, he is the heart and soul of the Spartans defense and, by all estimations, could have a season where ends up as Butkus Award finalist that sees himself facing questions of leaving a year early for the NFL.

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