Michigan State Football: 3 realistic goals for Mel Tucker’s first season

1. Become bowl eligible

Obviously, this goal is highly dependent on whether or not we have a normal season. So for the sake of simplicity, let’s set this goal assuming Mel Tucker’s first year will be a normal 12-game season.

For some people, bowl eligibility for Tucker seems like a reach. I don’t know where this narrative came from, but if you look at the facts, there’s nothing to indicate the idea that this team can’t win six games.

This offense was dead in the water; we had started the same guys for three years even though none of them were successful at their positions. The offensive line was a mess and our quarterback situation was bad, especially when Brian Lewerke was injured. The only parts of the offense that are still in East Lansing were successful last season.

This offense gets a fresh start; I guarantee you it’ll take a step forward. I don’t think this defense will take a big enough step back to overcome the offenses improvements.

That being said, this team could potentially be even better than last year. No, I don’t think their record will reflect that, but they should be hovering somewhere around bowl eligibility, giving me reason to set that as a goal for Tucker’s first season.