#1-MICHIGAN STATE SPARTANS

In just a few short years Mark Dantonio has done the seemingly impossible-bring stability to the Michigan State football program. Heading into 2014, the Spartans are once again eyeing 10+ wins and a top tier bowl game behind a deep and experienced roster.

The emergence of quarterback Connor Cook can be viewed as the primary reason Michigan State took another step up last season. Cook will have plenty of weapons at his disposal as all of the Spartans top rushers return and the majority of their top receivers. Senior Jeremy Langford will get the bulk of the carries at running back while Tony Lippett and Keith Mumphery will be starting pass catchers. On defense, Shilique Calhoun returns at defensive end and will be on many All-America teams. 2013 All-Big Ten standout Kurtis Drummond paces a secondary with both size and speed.

Michigan State opens with a tune-up against Jacksonville State before heading west to face the Oregon Ducks in which should be a terrific match-up of contrasting styles. The Spartans have been viewed as the Stanford of the Big Ten and Stanford’s style is the one that has given Oregon the most fits over the years. Two cupcake home games round out the non-conference slate before Nebraska comes to East Lansing in early October. After a couple of road trips to Purdue and Indiana, Michigan State hosts Michigan and Ohio State in a two game home stretch that will likely decide the Eastern Division.

PREDICTION: 7-1 IN THE BIG 10, 10-2 OVERALL