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Michigan State Football: 5 reasons Spartans will be contenders in 2019

By Connor Muldowney

SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 28: Head coach Mark Dantonio looks on after defeating the 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: Head coach Mark Dantonio looks on after defeating the 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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COLLEGE PARK, MD – NOVEMBER 03: Head coach Mark Dantonio of the Michigan State Spartans looks on prior to the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Capital One Field on November 3, 2018 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
COLLEGE PARK, MD – NOVEMBER 03: Head coach Mark Dantonio of the Michigan State Spartans looks on prior to the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Capital One Field on November 3, 2018 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /

4. Schedule full of winnable games

I know you’re reading this reason and thinking to yourself, “But there are a few tough away games that seem un-winnable.”

You’re partially correct, but Michigan State has fared relatively well in Columbus and Ann Arbor over the years and the Spartans don’t usually back down just because those teams are contenders. Michigan State has actually won in Ann Arbor in 2017, 2015, 2010 and 2008. The last time the Spartans lost in Ann Arbor was 2012 and Mark Dantonio has only dropped two games on the road in this rivalry during his tenure.

As for Ohio State, the Spartans won there in 2015 and outside of the 2017 season, have given the Buckeyes a tough game.

The other tough road games are at Wisconsin and Northwestern, but the Badgers are looking very beatable this season. Madison is one of the toughest places to play in the Big Ten, but Michigan State has the pieces to take the Badgers down, especially since they don’t even know who their starting quarterback is yet. Northwestern, too, is beatable and Michigan State is due for a win against the Wildcats.

Michigan State gets Penn State at home and has Illinois, Rutgers, Maryland and Indiana in Big Ten play.

If the Spartans can go 3-0 in non-conference play and win 2-3 of Michigan, Ohio State, Northwestern and Wisconsin, they’ll be in the conference title race until the end.

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