Michigan State Hoping to Inch Closer to Rebuilding Program in 2021
The Michigan State Spartans are a far cry away from their Big Ten championship season a decade ago. After losing head coach Mark Dantonio when he retired at the conclusion of the 2019 college football season, the Spartans recorded a disappointing 2-5 record in the shortened 2020 campaign under new head coach Mel Tucker.
WynnBET isn’t expecting much from the Spartans this season, as they have their projected win total set at 4.5 games. They’re also tied with Maryland for the fourth-longest odds to win the Big Ten East behind Ohio State (-450) and Penn State (+375).
Temple graduate transfer Anthony Russo is expected to start at quarterback for the Spartans, and he’ll have a plethora of weapons at wide receiver at his disposal. Jayden Reed, Jalen Nailor and Tre Mosley are the top three options in what is easily the strongest position group that Michigan State has.
The Spartans will also return all five starters on the offensive line, which would usually be good news, but Michigan State managed only 2.7 yards per rush in 2020 which was the fourth-lowest mark in the country. Significant improvement on the offensive line will be a key for Michigan State if it wants to take a step forward this season.
The Michigan State defensive line will take a hit this season, as Naquon Jones departed for the NFL. The other three starters will be returning, but they’ll need to step up to fill the gap left by Jones.
The biggest weakness for the Spartans on defense is their linebacking core. With four linebackers transferring away from the school since last fall, they’ll hope that Michigan transfer Ben VanSumeren will be able to make up the slack and have a solid 2021 season.
Dantonio’s untimely retirement set the Michigan State football program back a few years, so don’t expect it to be a competitive force in 2021. If the Spartans can take a step forward toward rebuilding the program by hitting the over on their 4.5 win projection, consider that a successful 2021.