Michigan State Football: What is the best-case scenario for 2020?

Michigan State football begins the Mel Tucker era on Oct. 24. What is the best-case scenario for the Spartans during the 2020 season?

I’m taking an optimistic look at MSU’s season. What is the best-case scenario for the Spartans in 2020? In order for this to work, Michigan State will need certain things to break their way, which has not happened much since 2015.

The Spartans have talent on the roster but there is plenty of inexperienced depth.

The first thing that needs to go right is finding the quarterback of the future. It cannot just be any signal-caller on the roster. It must be a true bonafide playmaker. In truth, everything is speculation at this point. We have seen Rocky Lombardi the most; Mel Tucker got the most out of Steven Montez in Colorado and it’s possible he could do the same for Lombardi.

Everyone is high on Payton Thorne, including teammates. However, he lacks game experience and there will be some growing pains. Theo Day is the other candidate. He throws a great ball and can move in the pocket, which is something Tucker likes. The eventual starter must seize the reigns of the offense and make his presence felt when on the field.

The next thing that needs to break right for MSU is the offensive line.

I’ve been hopeful for years that the line could turn it around and I’ve been disappointed. Yet this group has the experience, size and the raw talent. This was the unit that made Dantonio believe he could turn it around. Jordan Reid opting out certainly hurts the depth but there is much to be excited about with this unit.

The last element is that the defense must adequately replace lost production. Losing players like Joe Bachie and Kenny Willekes hurts. However, if Scottie Hazelton is as good of a coach as we expect, he could potentially do something special with this unit.

The new coaching is a definite upgrade for the Spartans.

If everything breaks right for Michigan State then what will its record be? I would say 5-3 or 6-2. Of course at 6-2, that would mean the Spartans would beat Michigan and lose to Penn State and Ohio State.

It’s an extremely optimistic outlook.

Is it out of realm of possibility? No. Is it possible? Only if they are able to fill all the holes above.