The Michigan State Spartans took a huge step back in 2022 as they went 5-7 last season. In the year prior, they won 11 games and were a top ten team in the country. Head coach Mel Tucker has a lot of work to do to get this team back to the postseason. If they can get the improvement on the defense, they can be a thorn in team’s sides in the Big Ten this year. Here is the preview for the 2023 Michigan State Spartans.
Offense
The Spartans lost Payton Thorne to the transfer portal and need someone to step up for them in 2023. In comes Noah Kim, who looks like he is going to get his chance at being the starter in 2023. He pushed Thorne hard last spring for the number one quarterback spot. Now he is the starter and will look to take a step forward in 2023. To help Kim’s progression as the starting quarterback, the Spartans bring back running back Jalen Berger who was their leading rusher in 2022. Berger rushed for 683 rushing yards on 4.6 yards per carry and 6 touchdowns. He is going to be the big offensive weapon for the Spartans out of the gate.
Michigan State thought they were bringing back their number one receiver Keon Coleman. However, Coleman transferred to Florida State and now they only have Tre Mosley coming back as their lead receiver. Mosley finished third in the team in receiving yards (359) and four touchdowns. Michigan State has an athletic tight end in Maliq Carr that should be a boost for this offense in 2023. The Spartans brought in Alante Brown (Nebraska) and they added four star freshman Antonio Gates Jr (the son of legendary tight end Antonio Gates).
Michigan State needs their offensive line to continue to be one of the better offensive lines in the Big Ten in sacks allowed. They bring back three starters in center Nick Samac, left guard J.D. Duplain and right tackle Spencer Brown. Michigan State’s offensive line has experienced physicality and they will need to use that experience to help their offense thrive in 2023.
Defense
This Michigan State defense struggled mightily last year. With injuries, suspensions, etc. the Spartans had 27 different starters on defense which is nearly impossible to build consistency with the amount of turnover that occurred. The biggest improvement this defense needs is edge rushing. In comes defensive end Tunmise Adeleye from Texas A&M. Other names to look out for on the defensive line are Simeon Barrow Jr, Maverick Hansen, and Derrick Harmon. These names are going to be key to their front seven success.
The other part of their front seven is the linebacker position which is led by Cal Haladay and Jacoby Windmon. Windmon led the team in sacks last year and Haladay led the team in tackles and tackles for loss. Haladay and Windmon are two leaders that will keep the defense in check. In the secondary that is where this defense has the biggest question marks. They are led by sophomore safeties Jaden Mangham and Malik Spencer who are rising stars, but they still have some work to do. They did bring in Semar Melvin from Wisconsin to help solidify their cornerback position. Michigan State needs their secondary to be great if they want to get back to the postseason in 2023.
Win Total Bet
The Spartans win total is set at 5.5 on the FanDuel Sportsbook, with the odds on the over set at +118 and the under is at -144. A lot of questions have to be answered, but I think Mel Tucker can turn the tides in 2023. If Noah Kim has a good season and then offense flourishes, they will make noise. However, the biggest thing holding this team back is the defense. If the defense improves, this team will be back in the postseason. I think the defense is going to improve and I am taking the over 5.5 win total at +118 odds for one unit. This is a low risk high reward for me in my opinion. The Spartans are going to win six games and be bowl eligible in 2023. Take the over for this Michigan State Spartans team.
Schedule Predictions
Win vs Central Michigan (1-0)
Win vs Richmond (2-0)
Loss vs Washington (2-1)
Win vs Maryland (3-1)
Huge Win at Iowa (4-1)
Win at Rutgers (5-1)
Loss vs Michigan (5-2)
Loss at Minnesota (5-3)
Win vs Nebraska (6-3)
Huge Loss at Ohio State (6-4)
Loss at Indiana (6-5)
Loss vs Penn State (6-6)