Michigan State football 2019 season preview

Embed from Getty Images As the sweat has dried from last season nightmare, Michigan State football looks to rebound this season. A punishing defense will lead the way. There are many things the Spartans need to clean up from a year ago. If they can, Michigan State will be a dark horse in the Big Ten.

As long as Mark Dantonio has been on the sidelines in East Lansing, defense has not been a problem. Nor will it be again this season. Michigan State led the nation in rush defense last year. Loaded at defensive line, linebackers and a very good, very athletic secondary, the Spartans defense will be scary good this season.

The offense has been well, pretty vanilla under Dantonio’s watch. Quarterback   Brian Lewerke, now healthy is a good start. When Lewerke injured his shoulder  the Spartans scored seven or fewer points in four of their last seven games. The  Spartans have a solid trio of receivers, Cody White, Darrell Stewart Jr. and Jalen Nailor. Yet they all missed time with injuries.

Seven offensive linemen with starting experience return. That should help the pass and run game.  Connor Heyward rushed for 529 yards to go with 32 catches last year. He is not a game-breaker, but a solid back. The key to the Spartans offense is health at skilled positions and consistency on the offensive line.

The Michigan State Spartans and Mark Dantonio are looking to make a 12th Bowl appearance. All the pressure is on the Spartans offense. Michigan State could repeat 2018-19 seven wins, or it could yield double digit wins. If the offensive line gels the Spartans will be a dark horse in the Big Ten. The defense will keep them in every game and could steal a win or two for the team.