Michigan St Spartans 2016 NCAA Football Preview
MICHIGAN ST SPARTANS
Big 10 Conference – East Division
2015 Record – 12-2
ATS – 5-9
2016 MEGALOCKS Opening Power Rating Rank
East Division – #3
Conference – #6 (Tie)
2015 Recap
It was quite the season for the Spartans and their fans. As per usual, Mark Dantonio guided them to a double digit win season (5th in last six seasons) and they also captured the Big 10 Title. They got steamrolled by Alabama in the playoff/Cotton Bowl match-up 38-0 but that was still a pretty impressive campaign. There were plenty of close games. A miracle win against Michigan. The refs made a brutal (?) call late in the 39-38 loss to Nebraska. A win in Columbus with their backup QB. The finish against Iowa was fantastic. The 2015 season must have taken at least two years off the life of any die hard Michigan St fan.
2016 Preview
OFFENSE
It is never great to lose your all-time leading passer (hot take). Especially a guy like Connor Cook who won a lot of big games. This year’s likely starter Tyler O’Connor did beat Ohio St on the road last season but he looks to be more of a game manager. The Spartans’ top two receiving threats from last season are gone and that will also pose a challenge.
It is going to be up to the running game this season. Thankfully, the Spartans have a lot of depth in the backfield, but the question is how the offensive line will gel after losing over 100 career starts. Michigan St starts with a scrimmage against Furman and then have a week off before facing Notre Dame on the road. Just that little bit of extra practice time and some game reps should help out. Overall, this feels like a grinding / move the chains type of offense and we think Dantonio will make the most out of what they have on offense.
DEFENSE
Last season the Spartans gave up the most yards per game (350) and points (21.7) since the 2010 season. They were hit for too many big plays in the passing game and that needs to change this season. Michigan St only returns 6 starters on defense but they have a solid front 7 and a pair of really good safeties. The defense has produced 79 sacks the past two seasons and if they can find a way to get another 35+ sacks this stop unit should be very good.
SPECIAL TEAMS
The kicking game looks fine with both PK Michael Geiger and P Jake Hartbarger returning for action. They could definitely use some spark in the return game, particularly on punt returns, as their top man only averaged 3.8 yards a pop last season.
MEGALOCKS ATS Value Rating (10) 5.0
MEGALOCKS says:
It has been feast or famine the past four seasons for Michigan St against the number. 5-8, 10-4, 9-4 and then 5-9 last season. Over the past decade we have really enjoyed playing on the Spartans. They are well so well coached and typically play great defense. This season does present a bit of a challenge because of the new starting QB and changes to the OL and DL.
Overall, we give the SPARTANS a 5.0 ATS Value Rating (Average) this season. We get the sense that this team is going to play in several close and low-scoring games. When that is the case the margin for error goes way down. Michigan St is an eye-popping +42 in turnover margin the past three seasons. While it is true that the Spartans play smart football, they are probably not going to be as fortunate this season, especially with a new starting QB and six returning starters on defense. Most interested in Sparty as an underdog.
Want more Michigan St football?
Website
http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-footbl/msu-m-footbl-body.html
Forum
http://www.scout.com/college/michigan-state/forums/2654-spartans-football
http://michiganstate.247sports.com/Board/Michigan-State-Spartans-Message-Board-Forum-93
http://www.phalanxforum.com/phpBB3/viewforum.php?f=2
News
http://www.freep.com/sports/spartans/
http://bleacherreport.com/michigan-state-football
http://www.mlive.com/spartans/#/0
http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/sports/green-white/
https://twitter.com/MSU_Football @MSU_Football
https://twitter.com/chrissolari @chrissolari Chris Solari
https://twitter.com/kylebaustin @kylebaustin Kyle Austin
https://twitter.com/mattcharboneau @mattcharboneau Matt Charboneau