Michigan State Football: Ranking 2019 opponents by toughness

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EAST LANSING, MI – SEPTEMBER 09: Quarterback Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans runs 61 yards for a touchdown while being pursued by defensive back Sam Beal #1 of 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) /

Believe it or not, but there’s another Bronco hype train rolling through the state of Michigan. For the first time since PJ Fleck left for Minnesota, Western Michigan may truly be a contender in the MAC as it returns 18 starters from last year’s 7-6 squad.

That sounds a lot like Michigan State, doesn’t it?

However, Western Michigan didn’t have any truly elite unit a year ago like Michigan State did on defense. The Broncos did have an above average offense, though, which kept them afloat. So basically they’re a poor man’s inverse Michigan State — if that makes any sense.

Western brings back starting quarterback Jon Wassink who the Spartans had their way with a couple of years ago when these two teams last met and LeVante Bellamy who is coming off a 1,000-yard rushing season.

Michigan State did, however, land their top receiver from last year in Jayden Reed. Will he be eligible to play against his former team? Probably not, but it takes a huge weight off the Michigan State defensive backfield’s shoulders.

The Broncos’ defense should be improved with 10 starters back. Western could easily be higher up on this list, but for all the unknowns, the Broncos will be at No. 10.

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