Big Ten Football: Preseason Stock Report Rankings

1. Michigan State

Last year: 13-1 (8-0)

This Week: vs. Jacksonville State (Aug 29 – 6:00 P.M. on BTN)

My Prediction: Michigan State 45-9

For the time being, the Spartans looks to be the Big Ten’s only legitimate shot at securing a spot in the first college football playoff.

Of course, this is college football and anything can happen but Sparty has to be the overwhelming favorite.

Michigan State can cement their name in that discussion with a victory in week two in Eugene, Oregon, but they have to be careful to not overlook Jacksonville State in week one…just kidding, they can overlook them.

Mark Dantonio returns his most promising team during his eight years in East Lansing.

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While the defense does lose some playmakers, defensive end Shillique ”The Freak” Calhoun leads a defense that will likely reload rather than rebuild under defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi.

Cornerback Trae Waynes and Safety Kurtis Drummond will continue the success of the “No Fly Zone”, despite the loss of Thorpe Award winner Darquez Dennard.

While the defense was elite and could win games on its own last season, its hard to imagine similar success coming without the strides made by the offense.

The two most significant factors in that success return in quarterback Connor Cook and running back Jeremy Langford.

The Spartans don’t draw one of the Big Ten’s easiest schedules, but until they lose, they will not be dethroned on top of the stock report.

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