Remember the deal with Iowa a few years back when everyone was surprised that they were in the Big Ten title discussion? Well, it’s now time to talk to your kids about Michigan State.
A year after making the college football playoff, Michigan State was among the biggest disappointments of the 2016 season, going 3-9 overall and 1-8 in the Big Ten. This was the Spartans’ first losing season under coach Mark Dantonio and their first since 2006. Many believed that the program was starting its decline and this would be the end of Michigan State being good.
NOT SO FAST MY FRIEND! This year’s Michigan State Spartans are currently tied for the lead in the Big Ten East with a conference record of 5-1 and a 7-2 record overall. Playing in possibly the toughest division in college football, Michigan State was expected to finish in fourth place at the maximum this year. If they can get past Ohio State this weekend, it is highly likely that the Spartans can defeat Maryland and Rutgers on their way to the Big Ten Championship. Beating division rivals Michigan and Penn State has vaulted the Spartans onto the national stage and a #13 ranking in the AP Poll.
One of the two biggest differences for this Michigan State team has been the defense. Last year the Spartans ranked 83rd in defensive efficiency while they have now improved to 18th this season. In the Big Ten East, there are a number of efficient offenses that can rip a bad defense apart with the likes of Saquon Barkley and JT Barrett.
The other difference: Brian Lewerke. Lewerke has now shown he’s among the best QBs in the conference this season. Through nine games, Lewerke has thrown for 2207 yards, 16 TDs, and 5 interceptions, planting himself in the upper tier. In the past two games combined, Lewerke has thrown for 865 yards, something we are not used to seeing from a Michigan State offense. In fact, the past two games from Lewerke have been record breaking as the two best passing performances have been the two best in Michigan State history. In addition, the only other QBs in Big Ten history to throw for 400+ yards in back to back games are Drew Brees and CJ Bacher. He’s currently on pace to throw for the fourth most yards in a single season in school history.
While it may be unlikely that Michigan State becomes a playoff team, and maybe even still unlikely that they win the Big Ten, this has been a heck of a comeback season in East Lansing. Dantonio is showing once again that the Spartans love playing as underdogs and that this program is here to stay.