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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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EAST LANSING, MI – OCTOBER 21: Running back LJ Scott #3 of the Michigan State Spartans high-steps into the end zone to score against the Indiana Hoosiers on an 18-yard run during the fourth quarter at Spartan Stadium on October 21, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Indiana 17-9. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI – OCTOBER 21: Running back LJ Scott #3 of the Michigan State Spartans high-steps into the end zone to score against the Indiana Hoosiers on an 18-yard run during the fourth quarter at Spartan Stadium on October 21, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Indiana 17-9. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

LJ Scott, RB

Spartan fans were thrilled when LJ Scott announced he was coming back for his senior season in East Lansing. By all estimations, it looks to be a big one. However, if the Spartans are’t able to get things fixed up front, there could be a different ending to Scott’s MSU career than everyone is hoping for.

While MSU was able to protect Brian Lewerke adequately in 2017, run-blocking was a whole different story. Other than the Minnesota game, MSU did not show much of the run-blocking dominance fans are used to from Dantonio’s teams.

Another hurdle for LJ Scott is who he is going to be up against for the honor. Right now, the favorites for the two RB slots on the first-team are JK Dobbins (Ohio State) and Jonathon Taylor (Wisconsin). It’s not just their talent that makes them tough competition, it’s also their teams’ offensive identities. While many would consider MSU to be a run-first offense, Wisconsin is perhaps the most run-heavy college football team in recent times. Ohio State’s zone read offense is also well-documented as a run-first offense.

Barring injury, Taylor seems to be a lock for one of the two spots. Dobbins, on the other hand, isn’t as much of sure-shot. Ohio State is ushering in a slightly different quarterback than they’ve had in years past.

Dwayne Haskins is probably the most capable passer out of Urban Meyer’s recent string of signal-callers. This could shift the offense’s identity slightly away from the run-heavy tone it has been known for. Additionally, Mike Weber is a prominent complimentary back that could reduce Dobbins’ carries. Dobbins having a split-role, while playing in an offense that might run less than usual, could be just the statistical-opening LJ could use to take home first-team honors.

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