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Michigan State Football: 10 bold predictions for 2018 season

By Connor Muldowney

SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 28: Chris Frey #23 and Andrew Dowell #5 congratulate head coach Mark Dantonio of the Michigan State Spartans after defeating Washington State Cougars 42-17 in 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: Chris Frey #23 and Andrew Dowell #5 congratulate head coach Mark Dantonio of the Michigan State Spartans after defeating Washington State Cougars 42-17 in the SDCCU Holiday Bowl at SDCCU Stadium on December 28, 2017 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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Michigan State football is set to begin its 2018 season and it’s time to be bold. Here are 10 of the boldest predictions out there.

Has there been a Michigan State team more hyped than the 2018 squad? The Spartans are coming off a 10-win season with one of the youngest teams in the nation and they return 19 starters.

Michigan State is expected to contend for the Big Ten title and potentially even a spot in the College Football Playoff, but wins over Ohio State and Michigan must take place.

The Spartans head into the season with no major question marks on either side of the ball, but that doesn’t mean everything is perfect. The offensive line needs more consistency, especially in the run game, the secondary needs to find an adequate replacement for Josiah Scott and the defensive line must silence doubters and prove to be deeper than people expect.

With the season just days away, it’s time to be bold.

Take a look at our 10 bold predictions for the 2018 season.

10. Matt Dotson breaks out, takes over as No. 1 tight end

The tight end position was slightly underwhelming in 2017 with Matt Sokol leading the way. He caught 22 passes for over 200 yards but he had far too many drops and was a so-so run-blocker.

As a senior leader, Sokol will be relied upon to improve drastically and see the field more, but he’s going to have plenty of pressure from the young guys behind him.

One of those guys is sophomore Matt Dotson, a former four-star recruit.

Dotson played in 10 games as a true freshman, catching just two passes for 19 yards, but don’t let those numbers fool you, this kid is a gem. He’s put on some good weight this offseason, is one of the more athletic tight ends in recent memory and if he improves his run-blocking, he can be the best tight end on the roster.

I’d say by the month of October, Dotson is already playing like a No. 1 tight end, breaking out and taking over Sokol’s role. Both will play plenty, but Dotson will lead the team at the position and be a pleasant surprise. I see a 300-plus yard receiving season for Dotson with four touchdowns.

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