Michigan State Spartans 2018 Football Preview

Michigan State Spartans 2018 Football Preview

Opening Statement: There has been a ton of horrible news out of East Lansing outside of football matters, and some regarding football off-field matters, during this particularly distressing off-season for Michigan State. This fall, some good news appears to be brewing, as the Spartans are bringing back a ton of talent on offense, and they bring back a chunk of a defense that ranked 7th nationally in total defense last fall. Michigan State appears ready to make a run at the Big 10 East title in a year where Ohio State may be slightly vulnerable.

Breakdown Offense: The Spartans offense struggled to get the job done at times, despite the team winning 10 games, including a blowout win over Washington State in the Holiday Bowl. Pieces are in place that make me believe that the dark days on offense (ranked 91st nationally in total offense) are behind them, and a move forward should be in store.

Brian Lewerke is back at QB to lead the offense. He passed for 2793 yards and 20 TDs last season against 7 INTs. He has to work on TD to INT ratio a bit more, and he was working hard on his accuracy in spring ball, with some tangible gains being made. He completed 59% of his passes last season, a number that he knows needs to improve if the offense is to turn in the right direction. He added 559 yards rushing, and another 5 scores, and averaged 4.51 yards per carry. Rocky Lombardi had an up and down spring game, but the RS freshman appears to be ready for the number 2 job right now. With Lewerke having 2 more seasons of eligibility, Lombardi has some time to work his way up. Mickey Macius is the 3rd QB post spring as a grad transfer.

LJ Scott gave the Spartans great news when he agreed to forego the NFL draft last spring to return for his senior season. He rushed for 898 yards and 8 scores, but averaged just 4.47 yards per carry last fall, most of which is to be blamed on an ineffective line, which I will cover later. One area of concern is turnovers for Scott, which was an item addressed in spring practice. Connor Heyward, who rushed just 3 times as a freshman last season, left spring with the backup job in his hold. La'Darius Jefferson and Elijah Collins are both incoming freshmen, and may be all the depth the Spartans have at the position, along with RS freshman Weston Bridges. Either Jefferson or Collins could end up redshirting. Alonte Thomas got in some work in the spring game, but had serious fumble issues.

Cody White and Felton Davis III are back at WR. Davis broke out with a line of 55-776-9 last fall, while averaging 14.11 yards per catch. White caught 35 passes as a freshman last fall, and should see an increased load in the passing game this fall. Darrell Stewart also returns after a 50 receptions season as a sophomore. Sophomore Cam Chambers is catching some attention, and had a solid spring game, while RS freshman CJ Hayes has also been catching some looks. Jahz Watts, a walk on RS freshman, looked flashy with his speed in spring ball. There were a ton of receivers in camp, so there are bodies, but just not a ton of experience beyond the starters.

Matt Sokol caught 21 passes as a junior at TE, and will be back to start. Matt Dotson, who caught 2 passes as a freshman, appeared to be a fast riser in spring camp, and may push for more reps with the first team. Chase Gianacakos is the primary big blocking back in jumbo sets. Noah Davis had surgery post spring, and his return is uncertain. Freshman Trenton Gillison is the option to replace Davis for now if Davis cannot go.

The line was a huge issue last season, and could not get a consistent push from play to play or game to game. That has got to change if the Spartans are to make a push in the division this season. The Spartans return 4 starters here, and could go 7 deep after the spring. Cole Chewins (LT), David Beedle (LG), Kevin Jarvis (RG), and Luke Campbell (RT) all return, but the Spartans must replace their anchor in C Brian Allen. Chewins and Campbell have to improve against the edge rush, which was a major problem last season. Sophomore Matt Allen left spring ball with the edge on the C job. If Campbell struggles, Jordan Reid could be in line to push him. If Chewins struggles, Campbell slides over to the left side, with Reid replacing the RT spot. Tyler Higby will be someone to watch at LG and at C, and gives the interior some solid depth. Mustafa Khaleefa is a RS freshman who impressed in the spring as a reserve at the Tackle spots. Blake Bueter, another RS freshman, is another option for depth at C.

Breakdown Defense: Nine starters return from a defense that allowed 20 points or more just 5 times last fall. Three of those starters are back up front on the line. Raequan Williams and Mike Panasiuk are the returning starters at DT. They combined for 9 TFLs up the middle last fall, and should create a formidable wall this fall. Gerald Owens and Naquan Jones provided depth last fall, and continue to do so for this season. They combined for 3 TFLs off of the bench.

Kenny Willekas returns to start at DE this fall, and led the Spartans with 14.5 TFLs last season. He added 7 sacks and 8 QB hurries, and should be one of the better edge rushers in the Big 10 this fall. Jacub Panasuik will likely start at the open spot at DE this fall as a sophomore. Dillon Alexander and Justice Alexander both provide depth.

Joe Bachie is back at WILL LB this fall, while Andrew Dowell is back at the STAR position. Bachie led the team last fall with 100 tackles, adding 8.5 TFLs and 3.5 sacks. He also forced 2 fumbles. Dowell finished with 74 tackles last season, with 2.5 TFLs, 4 PBUs, and 2 QB hurries. Tyriq Thompson will move into the SAM spot this fall. He totaled just 11 tackles as a sophomore last season, and had an open look in spring ball with an injury to Byron Bullough opening things up. Antjuan Simmons, Brandon Randle, and Bullough are the 2nd unit here.

The entire secondary returns this fall, and that is cause for celebration. Justin Layne and Josiah Scott are the starters at CB. Scott recorded 10 PBUs last fall, while Layne added 8. They combined for 3 INTs on the season. They combine to create a shut down tandem that may be one of the best in the nation. Tyson Smith and Josh Butler are veteran reserves, while RS freshman Shakur Brown and freshman Kalon Gervin are risers to watch.

Khari Willis is back at SS, while David Dowell is back at FS. Dowell led the Spartans with 5 INTs last fall and finished with 4 PBUs and 52 tackles. Willis finished with 71 tackles and 3 PBUs on the season. Matt Morrissey will be involved in Nickel coverage and freshman Xavier Henderson could have immediate impact as well in package coverage units.

Breakdown Special Teams: Matt Coghlin had a solid effort last fall, hitting 15/19 FGs on the season, and was perfect on 38 PATs.

Jake Hartbarger returns for his senior season as the Punter, and averaged 41.96 yards per punt last fall.

Heyward and Stewart should work well in tandem on kick returns, while the PR job could be open in fall camp between Laress Nelson, Cody White, and Stewart.

Final Analysis: The line was a primary problem on offense last fall, and it has apparently improved through spring ball, and now could be as many as 7 or 8 deep heading into fall camp. Defending better against the edge rush, and getting some push in the run game will be paramount to success. Defensively, it's hard to knock the Spartans anywhere, as a massive bulk of starters and depth players return to the same roles they held last fall on what was a fantastic defense. The schedule sets up incredibly well, with winnable games against Utah State, Arizona State, and Central Michigan in non con games, and Indiana is the first conference game. Northwestern is the first challenging game on the schedule, and the Spartans don't get them until October 6, and it is in East Lansing. Michigan State has what it will take to make a push on paper, and now they need to execute that push.