The Big Ten: Five Questions Heading Into 2012
By Ty Duffy
Will Michigan State Have an Offense? The Spartans defense should be ridiculous, returning nine starters from a unit that finished top five in yards per play last season, but their offense remains a serious question. Michigan State loses starting quarterback Kirk Cousins, the school’s most accomplished quarterback in the modern era. They also face a cataclysm in the receiving corps, losing their top three wide receivers and their most prolific tight end. The passing game could sputter, which would place enormous pressure on the running game. Despite ample talent in the backfield, Michigan State finished 9th in the Big Ten last year, averaging 3.95 yards per carry. You need at least a functional offense to win the Big Ten. Last season’s best performing defense within the conference was Illinois. If new quarterback Andrew Maxwell can’t get it done immediately with inexperienced underclassmen, the Spartans could have problems.
[Photos via Getty]
Previously: Five Questions For the SEC Heading Into 2012