Four games are in the rearview mirror for Michigan State football, but that means eight games remain before the end of the season, and the Spartans are hoping not to fall apart like last year.
That all depends on the defense, however. Joe Rossi has some work to do.
Michigan State needs a few guys to step up if it's going to make a deep run in the Big Ten and make the first bowl game the program has seen since 2021.
1. Jack Velling, TE
If you told me before the year that Jack Velling would have just eight catches for 74 yards and a single touchdown through four games, I would have told you that the season has been a disaster to this point. Fortunately, he's not quite breaking out yet, and the Spartans are still 3-1.
We've seen Michael Masunas break out behind Velling, and that's just not a good look for the senior tight end. He needs to be much more involved offensively.
2. Joshua Eaton, CB
Joshua Eaton came to Michigan State from Arizona State, looking to make an impact for a team that may have been flying under the radar, but could be fighting for some positioning in the Big Ten standings soon.
The Spartans' secondary has been a joke through four games, and the only guy I could think that could help a quick turnaround other than Malcolm Bell would be Joshua Eaton.
If the Spartans want to recreate the 'No Fly Zone', Eaton would have to step up.
3. Jalen Thompson, DE
Jalen Thompson has done a decent job this season, but not enough to really generate a respectable pass rush, and that's exactly what this team needs.
Michigan State has had one of the worst pass rushes in the country for the past few seasons, and that's continued this year with zero sacks combined against USC and Boston College. We've heard all the Thompson praise this offseason, he just needs to live up to the hype.