Michigan State Football: 5 reasons to be excited about 2018 Redbox Bowl

LINCOLN, NE - NOVEMBER 17: Head coach Mark Dantonio of the Michigan State Spartans leads the team on the field before the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on November 17, 2018 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /

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LINCOLN, NE – NOVEMBER 17: Head coach Mark Dantonio of the Michigan State Spartans walks on the field with the team before the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on November 17, 2018 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /

3. Michigan State defense vs. Oregon offense

There’s a serious strength vs. strength battle going on in this one and it pins Oregon’s impressive offense, led by potential No. 1 overall draft pick Justin Herbert at quarterback, against Michigan State’s stout defense, led by All-American defensive end Kenny Willekes

The Ducks boast one of the nation’s premier passing attacks and they have plenty of weapons and the junior quarterback who is likely to go pro has already stated his intent to play in the bowl game.

Michigan State’s defense is arguably the best in the Big Ten — outside of Michigan’s — and it had one of the best run defenses in America this season to go along with a secondary that got better with each passing week. Michigan State’s pass defense may have bloated overall numbers, but it was one of the best in the nation in the second half of the season.

What more could you ask for than a strength vs. strength battle of epic proportions on New Year’s Eve in California?

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