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Michigan State Football: 5 reasons to be optimistic about 2019 season

By Connor Muldowney

EAST LANSING, MI - NOVEMBER 24: Cornerback Josiah Scott #22 celebrates with linebacker Antjuan Simmons #34 and safety Khari Willis #27 of the Michigan State Spartans after intercepting a pass by quarterback Giovanni Rescigno #17 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the fourth quarter at Spartan Stadium on November 24, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Rutgers 14-10. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - NOVEMBER 24: Cornerback Josiah Scott #22 celebrates with linebacker Antjuan Simmons #34 and safety Khari Willis #27 of the Michigan State Spartans after intercepting a pass by quarterback Giovanni Rescigno #17 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the fourth quarter at Spartan Stadium on November 24, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Rutgers 14-10. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /
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Can Michigan State football improve on its 2018 outcome and make a push toward Big Ten supremacy in 2019? Here’s why you should be optimistic.

Disappointing doesn’t even begin to describe Michigan State’s 2018 season. The Spartans returned 19 starters to a team that finished 10-3 the year before and were limping to the finish line by the time November rolled around.

Injuries piled up, play-calling suffered and coaching blunders led to a 7-5 regular season followed up by a Redbox Bowl loss to Oregon, 7-6. Not only was that the final score of the game, but the record of the Spartans at the end of the season — it wasn’t a pretty way to finish.

The defense held up all year, but the offense was embarrassing, leading to some reshuffling of the staff on that side of the ball by Mark Dantonio. Things could be looking up, especially with a number of starters back yet again.

Here’s why even the most pessimistic Michigan State fans should be optimistic about the upcoming 2019 season.

5. Big-time incoming offensive line class

Michigan State’s incoming recruiting class is heavy on the offensive line and that’s exactly what this team needs to move forward. The offensive line was arguably the worst it had been in the Mark Dantonio era in 2018 and led to Brian Lewerke running for his life, his injury and a non-existent rushing attack.

Returning is essentially the same line, but there needs to be some type of shake-up in the trenches to give this unit a spark.

Matt Allen can remain at center, but redshirt freshman Jacob Isaia could push him. Luke Campbell needs to step up and prove he’s worthy of a starting tackle spot, and the same goes for Jordan Reid. Tyler Higby had a rough year at guard and his job could be up for grabs. Kevin Jarvis has the talent, but needs more consistency.

All of these guys could be pushed by not only the redshirted players on the roster from the 2018 class (James Ohonba, Mustafa Khaleefah, etc.) but also a top-tier incoming class.

Devontae Dobbs, Spencer Brown, Nick Samac, J.D. Duplain and Damon Kaylor combine to form arguably the best class of offensive linemen in the Dantonio era. They’ll help fill an instant need and get the line back to its glory days.

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