College Football Rankings: Way-too-early Top 25 for 2019

SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 07: Clemson Tigers quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) during the second half of the Alabama Crimson Tide's game versus the Clemson Tigers in the College Football Playoff National Championship game on January 7, 2019, at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, CA. (Photo by David Dennis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 31: Michigan State Wide Receiver Jalen Nailor (8) during the Redbox Bowl between the Michigan State Spartans and the Oregon Ducks at Levi’s Stadium on December 31, 2018 in Santa Clara, CA. (Photo by Cody Glenn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Notable returners: Brian Lewerke, Cody White, Raequan Williams, Josiah Scott, David Dowell, Kenny Willekes, Joe Bachie
Notable departures: LJ Scott, Felton Davis III, Justin Layne, Khari Willis, Andrew Dowell
Coaching change: None

Call me crazy, but Michigan State is a competent offense away from competing for a Big Ten title. Don’t believe me? All you have to do is look at the numbers. Heading into each fourth quarter of the Spartans’ six losses in 2017, the game was within a score or tied. Heck, the Spartans even held a lead heading into the fourth against Oregon, Arizona State and Nebraska.

Michigan State’s offense ranked 126th in the country in terms of scoring and that’s not something that’s going to win many games. It’s actually a miracle the Spartans won seven, but that’s just how good the defense was.

In fact, Michigan State’s defense was arguably the best in the Big Ten all season long, holding high-scoring offenses such as Ohio State, Oregon and Michigan in check.

Let’s say the Spartans return to 2017 form on offense and Brian Lewerke returns to his healthy self and Mark Dantonio makes the necessary changes, you will see one of the most complete teams in the country and an under-the-radar contender to start the year.

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