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Michigan State Football: Way-too-early 2020 Big Ten East preview

By Stephen Robb

EAST LANSING, MI - SEPTEMBER 28: Michigan State Spartans players celebrate after a game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Spartan Stadium on September 28, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Indiana 40-31. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - SEPTEMBER 28: Michigan State Spartans players celebrate after a game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Spartan Stadium on September 28, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Indiana 40-31. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Ohio State is once again picked to be the favorite of not only the East, but also the Big Ten. However, where will Michigan State football end up?

Ohio State lost much talent in the NFL draft. However, the elite team of the East division will just reload and it’ll be easier for them because they bring back Justin Fields, a probable Heisman candidate. Penn State will challenge Ohio State.

The Nittany Lions bring some young talent that is more seasoned. I expect Journey Brown to have a breakout year. Also, if Sean Clifford can stay healthy they could be the team who knocks off the Buckeyes. Clifford was in the game before got injured last year.

Michigan lost much talent in the draft as well. However, they will be breaking in a new starting quarterback. It is between redshirt junior Dylan McCaffrey and redshirt sophomore Joe Milton are the favorites to win the job. They return some key players on offense however the losses of Cesar Ruiz and Jon Runyan to the NFL will leave holes on the line.

Michigan State is breaking in a new coach, staff, and change coaching philosophy. Normally it’s difficult for new staffs in the first year, much less in a pandemic. Mel Tucker knows he’ll need to tailor the offense and defense around what his players do well. While some pundits believe MSU can get to six wins, but I’m more skeptical. Four or five wins may be the ceiling for this team in transition.

Here’s how I see the Big Ten East playing out:

  1. Ohio State: 12-0
  2. Penn State: 10-2
  3. Michigan: 9-3
  4. Indiana: 8-4
  5. Michigan State: 5-7
  6. Maryland: 4-8
  7. Rutgers: 1-11

I’m high on Indiana and quarterback Michael Penix Jr. I believe he will be a game-changer this season for the Hoosiers. Maryland and Rutgers will continue to struggle. Penn State and Ohio State are the class of the East. Ohio State could be upset by PSU, because the game is in Happy Valley. It’ll be a wild one.

dark. Next. MSU Football: Top 5 prospects for 2021 NFL Draft

Michigan State will have its work cut out for it. However, Tucker will have this team ready to take that next step in 2021.

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