College Football Top 25: Spring practice 2016 edition

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Dec 5, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan State Spartans running back LJ Scott (3) celebrates the game-winning touchdown with tight end Paul Lang (83) over the Iowa Hawkeyes during the fourth quarter in the Big Ten Conference football championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Michigan State won 16-13. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports /

We always hear about Michigan State playing with a chip on its shoulder and that’s the exact case going into the 2016 season. Although the Spartans are losing some top-level talent to the NFL and graduation, they’re still returning a ton of players, but getting little to no respect from college football experts.

I’ve seen Michigan State ranked anywhere from No. 10 to No. 15 and even in the 20-range in preseason polls, but the reality is that this team went 12-2 last season, won the Big Ten title, beat Michigan and Ohio State on the road and made the College Football Playoff. The shutout loss to Alabama was rough, but that shouldn’t define an entire year.

Michigan State will be losing starting quarterback Connor Cook and top receiver Aaron Burbridge, but the Spartans have Tyler O’Connor, Damion Terry and even Brian Lewerke back to fight for the starting job. All three are good enough to do so.

L.J. Scott, Madre London and Gerald Holmes all returning as the leading rushers from last season and the former will likely win the job.

The defense is losing some key pieces as well, but bringing Ed Davis back for a sixth year and coupling that with healthy cornerbacks (finally) and safeties who will also be returning and we could once again see the No Fly Zone in action.

Mark Dantonio is also bringing the No. 18 recruiting class on Scout, led by an elite defensive line group and four four-star receivers.

Next: 8. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

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