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Michigan State Football: Complete 2018 season preview, predictions

By Connor Muldowney

EAST LANSING, MI - NOVEMBER 04: LJ Scott #3 of the Michigan State Spartans battles for yards past Manny Bowen #43 of the Penn State Nittany Lions during the second half at Spartan Stadium on November 4, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State won the game 27-24. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - NOVEMBER 04: LJ Scott #3 of the Michigan State Spartans battles for yards past Manny Bowen #43 of the Penn State Nittany Lions during the second half at Spartan Stadium on November 4, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State won the game 27-24. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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EAST LANSING, MI – SEPTEMBER 09: Quarterback Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates with running back LJ Scott #3 of the Michigan State Spartans after scoring on a 61 yard run against the Western Michigan Broncos during the first half at Spartan Stadium on September 9, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI – SEPTEMBER 09: Quarterback Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates with running back LJ Scott #3 of the Michigan State Spartans after scoring on a 61 yard run against the Western Michigan Broncos during the first half at Spartan Stadium on September 9, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

Offensive outlook

Michigan State was lackluster, numerically, on offense last season which is surprising given the amount of players who broke out on this side of the ball.

In fact, the Spartans ranked just 96th nationally in scoring, 62nd in rushing yards, 76th in passing yards and 91st in total yards. While that may seem shocking, the offense began to click closer to the end of the year and that should give it some momentum heading into the season.

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At quarterback, Lewerke returns as a top-two passer in the conference, finishing with just under 2,800 yards through the air and 20 touchdowns last season. He rushed for another 500-plus and five scores, putting together the second-best total yardage by an MSU player in a single season. He’ll lead the way as arguably a top-10 quarterback in the nation.

In front of him, the offensive line will be mixing and matching for the first few weeks of the season until a solidified starting group presents itself. Shockingly, Jordan Reid is named co-starter with Luke Campbell at left tackle, which could also show some impressive depth. David Beedle and Kevin Jarvis will start at the guard spots and Cole Chewins is at the other tackle spot. Tyler Higby and Matt Allen will undoubtedly split time at center.

The offensive line should be much better than it was in 2017.

Matt Sokol will start at tight end, but the most impressive of the position group may be sophomore Matt Dotson.

As for the skill positions, LJ Scott will be back, aiming for his first 1,000-yard rushing season and he won’t have to split carries with Madre London and Gerald Holmes any longer. Connor Heyward, Elijah Collins, Weston Bridges and La’Darius Jefferson will all by vying for time behind him. This is a very strong, talented and athletic group.

The receivers could be the best of the Mark Dantonio era, led by Felton Davis III who broke out as the No. 1 in 2017 with over 700 yards receiving and nine touchdowns.

Cody White was one of the best freshmen in the conference a season ago and Darrell Stewart Jr. was a pleasant surprise and a dynamic threat. Cam Chambers, Laress Nelson and C.J. Hayes all provide depth.

This offense will take major strides in 2018.

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