MICHIGAN STATE SPARTANS
2014 College Football Preview
OFFENSE - 8
------RETURNING STARTERS------
DEFENSE - 5
KEY LOSSES
OFFENSE: Andrew Maxwell-QB, Bennie Fowler-WR, Blake Treadwell-OG, Dan France-OG, Fou Fonoti-OT
DEFENSE: Tyler Hoover-DT, Micajah Reynolds-NT, Denzel Drone-DE, Max Bullough-MLB, Denicos Allen-SLB, Darqueze Dennard-CB, Isaiah Lewis-SS
RB Jeremy Langford
Offensive Skill Positions / Defensive End

Granted this offense wasn't lighting up the stats department in 2013. However, don't expect the Spartans to lean on the defense so much next season. Coming back are a bevy of skill people that include all the top rushers and most all of the receivers while Connor Cook has proven to be an efficient signal caller who will continue to get better. Bookends Shilique Calhoun and Marcus Rush on the defensive side will provide a pass rush nightmare for opposing offenses.

Offensive Line / Defensive Front

Long story short, this offensive line has some rebuilding to do. The unit has proven to be capable at times but also had its share of weaknesses. Experience is thin and developing this unit will likely be the top priority come spring. This was the nation's No. 1 ranked defense so there is no reason to believe the newer version won't be more than capable. The front seven has been remarkable at shutting down Big Ten rushing attacks. Don't expect the same stellar results while a few of the spots have been hit with graduation, then again don't sell this group short despite the holes that need refilling.

DE Shilique Calhoun
 
MICHIGAN STATE 2014 DEPTH CHART
Returning Starters/
Key Players
OFFENSE
QB Connor Cook-Jr (6-4, 219) Tyler O'Connor-So (6-3, 219)
FB Trevon Pendleton-Jr (5-11, 250) ..
TB Jeremy Langford-Sr (6-0, 205) Nick Hill-Sr (5-8, 197) / Delton Williams-So (6-1, 232)
WR Tony Lippett-Sr (6-3, 190) Aaron Burbridge-Jr (6-1, 203)
WR Keith Mumphery-Sr (6-0, 212) R.J. Shelton-So (5-11, 200)
WR Macgarrett Kings-Jr (5-10, 186) Matt Macksood-So (5-11, 197) / Andre Sims-Jr (5-9, 193)
TE Andrew Gleichert-Sr (6-5, 256) Josiah Price-So (6-4, 238)
OT Jack Conklin-So (6-6, 330) Dennis Finley-RFr (6-6, 307)
OG Travis Jackson-Sr (6-3, 286) Zach Higgins-So (6-4, 315)
C Jack Allen-Jr (6-1, 300) Connor Kruse-Sr (6-4, 317)
OG Connor Kruse-Sr (6-4, 317) Benny McGowan-So (6-3, 319)
OT Donavon Clark-Jr (6-3, 310) Kodi Kieler-So (6-5, 309)
K Michael Geiger-So (5-8, 186) ..
 
MICHIGAN STATE 2014 DEPTH CHART
Returning Starters/
Key Players
DEFENSE
DE Shilique Calhoun-Jr (6-4, 257) Demetrius Cooper-RFr (6-5, 239)
DT Joel Heath-Jr (6-6, 289) James Kittredge-Sr (6-4, 295)
NT Damon Knox-Jr (6-4, 275) Brandon Clemons-Jr (6-3, 295)
DE Marcus Rush-Sr (6-2, 255) Lawrence Thomas-Jr (6-3, 294)
SLB Ed Davis-Jr (6-3, 230) Riley Bullough-So (6-2, 233)
MLB Taiwan Jones-Sr (6-3, 252) Jon Reschke-RFr (6-2, 234)
STAR Darien Harris-Jr (6-0, 228) Mylan Hicks-Sr (5-11, 199)
CB Trae Waynes-Jr (6-1, 183) Arje Colquhoun-Jr (6-1, 193)
CB Darian Hicks-So (5-10, 181) Jermaine Edmondson-So (6-0, 178)
SS RJ Williamson-Jr (6-0, 215) Jalyn Powell-RFr (5-11, 206)
FS Kurtis Drummond-Sr (6-1, 200) Demetrious Cox-So (6-1, 200)
P Mike Sadler-Sr (6-0, 170) ..

 

 

MICHIGAN STATE 2014 SCHEDULE

Aug. 30 - Jacksonville State
Sep. 13 - at Oregon
Sep. 20 - Wyoming
Sep. 27 - Eastern Michigan
Oct. 4 - Nebraska
Oct. 11 - at Purdue
Oct. 18 - at Indiana
Oct. 25 - Michigan
Nov. 8 - Ohio State
Nov. 15 - at Maryland
Nov. 22 - Rutgers
Nov. 29 - at Penn State