Big Ten Football: Predicting The East Division

1. Michigan State

Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Yes, I know Sparty’s the trendy pick. However, keeping Pat Narduzzi in East Lansing is like getting a No. 1 draft pick back for another year of eligibility…or something like that.

Michigan State only lost one player to the 2014 NFL draft, but it was a good one in defensive back Darqueze Dennard. The beautiful part is that thanks to Narduzzi, the Spartans don’t have to worry about much of a drop off.

Before we get to the dominant defense, let’s address the Big Ten champion and Rose Bowl-winning offense for a sec. Junior quarterback Connor Cook returns as does another dangerous running back in Jeremy Langford. Seems like the Big Ten is loaded with those this season, no?

…keeping Pat Narduzzi in East Lansing is like getting a No. 1 draft pick back for another year of eligibility…or something like that.

MSU’s offensive line should develop into a formidable bunch as the conference slate rolls on, especially center Jack Allen.

Okay, let’s talk D. 2013 Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year Shilique Calhoun is going to make life miserable for offenses off the edge.

Narduzzi has some work to do with the linebackers as senior Taiwan Jones jumps from the weak side to the middle looking to take over for Bullough.

The Spartans do have reliable help in the secondary thanks to safety Kurtis Drummond. No cornerback is expected to hold a candle to Dennard, but if they can play half as well, MSU should be in good shape.

I expect them to run the table and show up in the Big Ten Championship Game once more. Who will they face? Find out when the West projections hits.

Final Record: 12-0 (8-0)

Be sure to like Husker Corner on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, snag the FanSided app (iOS) (Android) and subscribe to our newsletter below to keep plugged into Husker Nation from all over the globe.