Big Ten Football - 2021 Michigan State Spartans Preview
Our Michigan State Spartans preview 2021 sees this team as struggling. MSU had a solid three-year run from 2017 to 2019 when they posted three winning seasons and made three bowl appearances. Last season, under new coach Mel Tucker, the 2-5 Spartans finished last in the Big Ten East. They scored 18.0 PPG (14th Big Ten, 116th Nationally) and allowed opponents 35.1 PPG (14th Big Ten, 100th Nationally). The team’s turnover rate of 19.6% was next to last in the country. But don’t judge Tucker on these stats. The fact is he inherited a team that was lacking in many ways due to poor recruiting over the past few years.
Michigan State Offense
The Spartan offense will have a new look as Temple graduate transfer Anthony Russo joins the team. In his college career, Russo has completed 60 percent of his passes for 6,292 yards, 44 TDs and 32 interceptions over 26 starts. His arrival signals an upgrade at the signal-calling spot. The good news for Russo is that the Spartans have a deep group of receivers. Five of the top pass catchers from last season are back. Expect Jayden Reed, who had 33 catches for 407 yards and three TDs, and Jalen Nailor, who recorded 26 receptions for 515 yards and four scores, to be major forces on offense this season.
Two transfers join the running unit. Upgrades come in the form of former Wake Forest running back Kenneth Walker III and former Auburn rusher Harold Joiner III. All five front men return. Although they’re not an elite group, this unit continues to improve. Tight end is a question mark.
Michigan State Spartans Preview 2021 - Defense
Seven starters return on defense, including three-of-four on the line. Senior Drew Beasley leads the group. Last season, he recorded 27 tackles, three sacks, 2.5 TFL, two PBU, and three QBH. He is solid. LB Noah Harvey, the top returning tackler with 54 bring downs, posted five TFL, one PBU, and two QBH. Transfers Itayvion Brown (Minnesota) and Ben VanSumeren (Michigan) arrive to fill out what is a thin group.
The secondary is questionable. Junior corner Kalon Gervin, who had four PBU last year, has shown potential. If he can have a breakthrough season, that would help this group. This unit does have talent, but they lack experience. Senior strong safety Xavier Henderson, who had 41 tackles, 1.5 TFL, and one pick, will be looked to for leadership.
Specialists
Our Michigan State Spartans preview 2021 finds that the best part of this unit is placekicker Matt Coughlin. In 2020, he went 13-of-13 on extras and 9-of-12 on field goals, including one from 50-plus. Punter Bryce Baringer put nine of 37 inside the 20 while averaging 43.6 YPP. However, the net came in at just 35.3 YPP. The return game has been lethargic and needs an upgrade.
Michigan State Spartans Preview 2021 - Projection
Our Michigan State Spartans preview 2021 observes that coach Tucker is dedicated to turning this team around. That can’t happen overnight, but it can happen. The coach is focused on proving that once again the Spartans can be a force in the Big Ten. Expect Michigan State to go through many growing pains over the next few years. Their schedule is challenging, which should result in some major growth.
Big Ten Football - Michigan State Spartans 2021 - Predictions:
Sixth Place - Big Ten East
No Bowl Berth