EAST LANSING — Another day, another motivational log on the fire for Michigan State football. Athlon Sports has come right out and stated in its Big Ten storyline preview what all of the preseason polls to this point have suggested: “Ohio State and Michigan enter 2016 as the frontrunners to win the Big Ten title.” This, after Michigan State has won three straight games against the Wolverines and seven of eight, while beating the Buckeyes in two of the past three meetings. It’s easier to make a case for Michigan, as coach Jim Harbaugh returns 14 starters to Michigan State’s 11. Ohio State coach Urban Meyer, however, has just six returning starters. The Spartans, who have finished ranked in the nation’s top 10 the past three years while winning two Big Ten championships, begin spring football drills next Tuesday. Athlon author Steve Lassan correctly states that MSU’s top priority this spring is to fill the voids on offense: Connor Cook, Jack Allen, Jack Conklin and Aaron Burbridge will not easily be replaced. But Athlon lists only nine returning starters for MSU instead of the 11 most will recognize from the College Football Playoff starting lineup. “While the defense has personnel losses at each level, the needs are greater on the other side of the ball,” Lassan penned. “The cupboard isn’t bare, but it will take some time for the new pieces to fall into place for coach Mark Dantonio. Dantonio became the first coach in Big Ten history to win 11 or more games five times in a span of six years last season. “We’re not going anywhere,” MSU co-defensive coordinator Harlon Barnett said on the Spartans’ signing day in February.
Continue Reading: Michigan State football playing catch-up to Michigan, Ohio State, per Athlon
