3 reasons Michigan State football could win the Big Ten in 2022

2. Depth

Compared to last year, Michigan State’s depth is incredible.

A year ago, the Spartans were sn injury away at most positions from a massive meltdown and you really can’t say that this season. The two-deep is going to be the best it’s been since maybe 2017 or even 2015. The Spartans run deep at every position.

Let’s break it down.

The offensive line is the thinnest spot, but the Spartans bring back Jarrett Horst and bring in Brian Greene from Washington State. JD Duplain, Nick Samac, Matt Carrick, Geno VanDeMark, Spencer Brown, Brandon Baldwin, Ethan Boyd, and Dallas Fincher add the depth there. Overall, a slightly deeper group than last year, but still not there yet.

Receivers are a strength on offense with Jayden Reed leading the way and Tre Mosley and Keon Coleman rounding out the starting group. Germie Bernard is a talented freshman along with Antonio Gates Jr. and Tyrell Henry. Christian Fitzpatrick should get some run along with Montorie Foster and Terry Lockett. Add in one of the deepest tight end groups in recent memory with Daniel Barker, Maliq Carr, Tyler Hunt, Luke Nickel, and Michael Masunas and MSU is loaded.

In the backfield, Jarek Broussard and Jalen Berger will lead the way to replace Kenneth Walker III. They’re both more than capable of shouldering the load but they’ll also have Eli Collins, Harold Joiner, Davion Primm, and Jordon Simmons backing them up.

Payton Thorne is back and Noah Kim and Katin Houser are very capable backups.

We went through the defensive depth already, but every position is, at the very least, a solid two or three deep. The line could play 10-plus guys regularly, there are seven linebackers for two spots, and the defensive backfield is going to be improved with the additions of Ameer Speed, Caleb Coley, Jaden Mangham, and Dillon Tatum.