Skinny - I've been thinking really hard about the Big Ten for a few weeks now if its not obvious considering my first two previews were Big Ten teams than I abruptly left the conference and worked through other ones. Michigan State, Iowa, and Illinois all have similar situations with new running backs. Michigan State loses the most valuable player in Javon Ringer, but they ended up being the team I think will finish third in the conference. Its important to remember this is positioning predictions, not necessarily power polls. Michigan State has one clear advantage over the other two; they don't have to play Ohio State. In a weak conference that is also very tiered in terms of team abilities, games like this being left off the schedule could make that difference. I believe Michigan State will be a very good team next year, but this will be more of a building for the future year. Hoyer and Ringer both have to be replaced, but the two quarterbacks battling for the position (Kirk Cousins and Keith Nichol, both sophomores) have a lot more potential than Hoyer and should be very good in the future. Split snaps is very possible, but regardless whoever gets to start they'll have an experienced left side of the line blocking for them.
Strength - Greg Jones
Jones leads an experienced linebacking corps into the season. All three starters return from last season, but the junior backer Jones returns after recording 127 tackles in his sophomore season including a very solid 80 solo. The secondary is very experienced only losing Otis Wiley from last season, so the unit should be improved. The defensive line needs to put more pressure on the lineman and allow the linebackers, especially Jones control the line of scrimmage. The team only ranked 67th in rush defense last season, but they did play some pretty good backs including Jahvid Best, Shonn Greene, Beanie Wells, Knowshon Moreno, and Evan Royster. Those four backs are all considered All-American or at the least All-Conference players. The only back out of the five Michigan State has to play this year will be Royster, so expect the defense to put up better stats regardless if they actually improve.
Weakness - Right Side of the Offense Line
Both starters must be replaced on the right side of the offensive line. Jared McGaha appears to be the favorite at right guard and J'Michael Deane at right tackle. The problem is in their three years of combined experience (not counting redshirt years) they have a total of three games of experience and none were starts. I know I say this a lot, but it's true; experience on the offensive line is critical not only to get better but to learn habits of your linemates. Running backs can come in and do their own thing but lineman must communicate and work together when defenses do things such as stunting. Adjustments are critical.
Key Game - 10/10/09 @Illinois
If Michigan State could pull this game off in Champaign, they would have a very good chance at a Big Ten Championship run. By not playing Ohio State and playing Penn State in the finale, Michigan State should have a clear picture of the Big Ten race and their position the entire season and winning this game would put them in prime position. Michigan State matches up well considering their speed at the linebacking unit, a good defensive end in Trevor Anderson to contain Juice Williams, and a secondary that has played Williams before.
Key Player - Ashton Leggett
Look for Leggett to secure the starting role after the graduation of Javon Ringer. Leggett is more in the mold of Ringer than the other possible replacement of Andre Anderson, who is the returning leading rusher (he did not eclipse 100 yards though). Michigan State thrives with a back that can grind it out and carry a large load and Anderson may not fit the description but he could find a good role as a complement and pull in about 400 yards. Leggett must be able to take a Big Ten beating himself if Sparty is going to be successful. A new quarterback doesn't make a job easier usually, but the pressure on the quarterback may be larger as whoever takes the role is expected to be better than Hoyer. If Leggett doesn't work look for Michigan State to turn to either Baker or Caper, both true freshman.
Impact Freshman - Edwin Baker
Predicted Big 10 finish - 3rd
Top 5 Players
1. LB Greg Jones
2. K Brett Swenson
3. DE Trevor Anderson
4. LB Eric Gordon
5. C Joel Nitchman
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