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Michigan State Football: Ranking 2022 opponents by toughness

By Connor Muldowney

Michigan State Spartans defensive end Dashaun Mallory (94) signals fourth down after a stop against the Maryland Terrapins during second half action Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021 at Spartan Stadium.Msu defense happy
Michigan State Spartans defensive end Dashaun Mallory (94) signals fourth down after a stop against the Maryland Terrapins during second half action Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021 at Spartan Stadium.Msu defense happy /
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EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN – OCTOBER 30: Payton Thorne #10 of the Michigan State Spartans plays against the Michigan Wolverines at Spartan Stadium on October 30, 2021 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN – OCTOBER 30: Payton Thorne #10 of the Michigan State Spartans plays against the Michigan Wolverines at Spartan Stadium on October 30, 2021 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Having a bye week before this game is going to make the anticipation reach all-time highs. Michigan wants revenge for last year’s lone regular-season loss to MSU while Mel Tucker is trying to improve to 3-0 against Jim Harbaugh and the Wolverines.

The Wolverines return basically everyone on offense outside of Hassan Haskins which means that Michigan is going to put up some points. Defensively, it may take a step back.

Michigan Stadium is going to be rocking on Oct. 29 as this game is going to be heated.

This one is obvious for a number of reasons but most notably because the Buckeyes beat Michigan State by 49 points a year ago and have arguably the most complete team in the Big Ten.

Ohio State will be a legit playoff candidate this year and CJ Stroud is a Heisman Trophy candidate along with Jaxon Smith-Njigba and TreVeyon Henderson. Plus, that defense is going to improve.

Tucker has struggled against Ohio State through two seasons, but he knows that competing against the Buckeyes is the key to taking that next step. This will be a massive game.

Next. MSU football: 3 breakout candidates on defense. dark

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