Michigan State Football: Ranking 2019 opponents by toughness

EAST LANSING, MI - NOVEMBER 10: J.K. Dobbins #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes runs into the tackle of Kenny Willekes #48 of the Michigan State Spartans during the first half at Spartan Stadium on November 10, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

8 of 13

TEMPE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 08: Wide receiver Frank Darby #84 of the Arizona State Sun Devils makes a reception ahead of cornerback Josh Butler #19 of the Michigan State Spartans during the second half of the college football game at Sun Devil Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

We all know what happened last year in Tempe against Arizona State. Luckily, the Spartans are hosting the Sun Devils this time around and (likely) won’t have to play in 100-plus degree heat.

It was just a miserable game for Michigan State as everyone seemed gassed, and how could they not be? Arizona State took full advantage late in the game when the Spartans had no legs left, scoring 13 straight points in the fourth quarter to erase a 10-point Michigan State lead.

Manny Wilkins is gone after passing for over 3,000 yards and 20 touchdowns and the Sun Devils will be replacing him with freshman Jayden Daniels. He will get a welcome to college football moment in Week 3 against the Spartans’ defense.

Arizona State does bring back one of the top running backs in college football in junior Eno Benjamin who had 1,642 yards and 16 touchdowns last season, but couldn’t do much of anything against the Spartan defense.

The Sun Devils’ defense also looks to improve, but this is still a middle-of-the-pack (maybe slightly above average) Pac-12 team.

Home/Spartans Football