What’s So Great About Michigan State?
Apparently, the Spartans are not going to miss Kirk Cousins, B.J. Cunningham, or either of their starting defensive tackles all that much if you subscribe to some of the rosier predictions being made about the men of green for 2012. The offense is supposed to be bolstered by its running attack. The only problem with that idea is that Michigan State finished eleventh in the Big Ten in rushing a year ago. Still, it's hard to argue that bringing back eight starters on defense and four starters on the offensive line won't make MSU a competitive team.
Getting Ohio State and Nebraska at home would seem like a positive. But OSU could be markedly better than the 2011 version that lost to the Spartans by a field goal. NU won by three touchdowns a year ago. Even with some regression by the Huskers, it's still hard to forecast a 22-point turnaround. Especially since MSU will be playing their tenth straight game without a bye.
Michigan State has a road date at Wisconsin, a team that similarly will be trying to break in a new quarterback. But Montee Ball seems a wee bit better than Le'Veon Bell at running back. Badger wideout Jared Abbrederis also seems like a better weapon than any Spartan receiver. Despite MSU's recent success against the Wolverines, you'd suspect that Michigan might turn the tables in Ann Arbor.
Add it all up and Michigan State looks like only a four or five win team in conference play. Not to mention that they face a pair of tough games at home against Boise State and Notre Dame. That seems like an eight win kind of season. If they win ten regular season games, then Dantonio should get a lifetime contract. It's not impossible, but don't bet the farm on it.
Oldham,SD
7/16/2012
I’d say odds of them hacking that are low too. They’ve got a fine HC though so it’s somewhat possible but still a long shot.
I think it’s down to us an Michigan. I’d bet the ranch they don’t roll us in Lincoln and in fact I like our chances.
7/16/2012
Bo’s track record is really good against teams that beat us a year prior I think that boads well for the wisy,mich,and northwestern games if he doesn’t lose to a team he should beat I think big 10 wise mich st. And ohio st. Will be r 2 hardest games for the huskers I don’t no about mich. Is this the damn version of texas in the big 10 for us I sure the heck hope not!!! Wisky will get poundead by the huskers opening big 10 night in lincoln. Nebraska will go as fare as taylor takes us I hope his third year in the program gives us something 2 hang our hats on!!!! GO BIG RED !!!! Let’s get us a big 10 title this year!!!
Madison
7/16/2012
I believe Wisconsin’s game in Lincoln will be their most challenging of the season - it will be close and hard fought. That being said, I also believe Wisconsin will win.
7/17/2012
I believe if Rex Burkhead and the rest of the offense can get a spark going early on in the season that our BLACKSHIRTS should be able to pick up the rest of the slack. But the HUSKERS can not turn the ball over and self destruct with penalties . Let’s not look past our road game at UCLA before we get in to conference play. If I’m correct I think Nebraska are 35-5 all time in night games at Memorial Stadium. Wisconsin and Michigan both visit and both are night games…... Great news for the HUSKERS! Go get us a BIG 10 title, GO BIG RED…............................HUSKER POWER .........................................
NC, USA
7/17/2012
“OSU could be markedly better than the 2011 version”
I think OSU has everyone fooled. I don’t see them being much better than last year.
Valencia, CA
7/18/2012
I agree with the article that OSU will be improved. Remember, if Braxton Miller did not go down with an ankle injury last year in Lincoln, OSU would have likely beat the Huskers convincingly. He was torching the Blackshirts with his running ability and play action passes. With Urban Meyer at the helm and with the perfect QB (Miller) to run his system, they will be improved. OSU also has a top-10 recruiting class coming in as well.
Regarding Michigan State, their schedule is absolutely brutal. They open the season against Boise State. Granted, they are down due to graduation, but Chris Petersen is a great coach. Then, 2 weeks later they battle Notre Dame. A few weeks later, they begin conference play against Ohio State. Then, the real killer comes. The Spartans play AT Michigan, AT Wisconsin, and then host the Huskers in 3 straight weeks. Considering the losses on offense and defense, I think most of the prognosticators have not done their homework with the Spartans.
GBR
http://www.B1GRedFootball.com