No. 11: Michigan State Spartans
F. Scott Fitzgerald told us their are no second acts in life.
But what about college football?
A year ago, I looked at Michigan State in the pre-season and saw 17 returning starters from a 10 win team, a veteran quarterback coming back and a highly-regarded head coach.
I drank the Kool-Aid. I picked Sparty to not only win the Big Ten, but to win the national championship.
Bold pick right?
Well, yes, but also a stupid, embarrassing choice as the Spartans sputtered the entire season to finish with a 7-6 record.
Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice?
No I am not picking the Spartans to win the Big Ten or even finish in the Top 10
But Mark Dantonio is still a very good coach.
Senior QB Brian Lewerke is healthy again.
There is a new offensive coordinator.
The defense is stout as ever. In the final 3 games last season, the Spartans held their opponents to 10 points or less and posted a 1-2 record.
The schedule is not a back breaker---although back-to-back road games in October against Ohio State and Wisconsin will be a challenge.
I say this is a nine-win team.
Fool me twice?