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Michigan State Football: 5 biggest questions facing defense in 2019

By Connor Muldowney

SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 31: Dillon Mitchell #13 of the Oregon Ducks catches a touchdown pass over Josiah Scott #22 of the Michigan State Spartans during the second half of the Redbox Bowl at Levi's Stadium on December 31, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 31: Dillon Mitchell #13 of the Oregon Ducks catches a touchdown pass over Josiah Scott #22 of the Michigan State Spartans during the second half of the Redbox Bowl at Levi's Stadium on December 31, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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EAST LANSING, MI – NOVEMBER 24: Running back Jonathan Hilliman #23 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights is tackled by defensive tackle Raequan Williams #99 of the Michigan State Spartans and linebacker Tyriq Thompson #17 of the Michigan State Spartans during the second half 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: Running back Jonathan Hilliman #23 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights is tackled by defensive tackle Raequan Williams #99 of the Michigan State Spartans and linebacker Tyriq Thompson #17 of the Michigan State Spartans during the second half at Spartan Stadium on November 24, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Rutgers 14-10. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

1. Will the Spartans boast the Big Ten’s best defense?

A crazy statistic was revealed on Monday afternoon that actually tied Michigan State and Alabama together among the top defensive teams in the country.

Michigan State and Alabama have had the most top-10 overall defenses (6) since 2011. That tops all of college football, putting both one ahead of the likes of Michigan and Clemson. Does this surprise you? It shouldn’t because Mark Dantonio is one heck of a defensive mind and he employs specialists on that side of the ball.

Mike Tressel has done an incredible job as the sole defensive coordinator and guys like Ron Burton and Paul Haynes have excelled as well.

But will the Spartans take that next step and top the Big Ten in total defense for 2019 after all the offseason hype? They finished third in the Big Ten a year ago, but by returning eight starters to the unit, it’s tough to see two better defenses in the conference.

dark. Next. 5 biggest questions facing offense in 2019

With Kenny Willekes, Raequan Williams, Joe Bachie, Mike Panasiuk, Josiah Scott, David Dowell and Jacub Panasiuk all returning as All-Big Ten candidates, this defense should be scary.

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