Michigan State Football: 3 benefits of playing 2020 season this fall

1. Locking down key position battles

Having a season would be beneficial both on and off the field (recruiting and trust), but the biggest positive would be figuring out some key position battles.

For Michigan State, the quarterback position is obviously the biggest up for grabs, but the defensive side of the ball also has a handful. The defensive backfield, linebacker and defensive line all have huge battles brewing.

Let’s start with quarterback. Rocky Lombardi returns as the veteran of the group and many are wondering if he’ll be able to take that next step and look like the quarterback we saw beat Purdue in 2018. He’ll have Payton Thorne and Theo Day pushing him for that starting job and it’s important to figure out the quarterback so the offense can move forward and adjust accordingly.

The only position on offense that will have some battles, outside of the offensive line, is the receiving corps. Darrell Stewart Jr. and Cody White are gone and young guys will have to step up.

Cornerback and safety will also see solid battles as well as the linebacker spots beside Antjuan Simmons. On the defensive line, there are a couple of openings, but maybe three now with Jacub Panasiuk opting out of the season (if there was still one).

Figuring out these position battles with a fall season would be important for long-term growth.