Michigan State Spartans lock up with Tulsa in season opener

The Michigan State Spartans season starts tonight. It’s a warm-up game against Tulsa to start the 2019 season. It’s become a common theme throughout college football. No disrespect to Tulsa but this is essentially a preseason game for the Spartans.

The Michigan State Spartans open the season as the 20th ranked team in the country. The Spartans are 22.5 point favorites over Tulsa tonight to start the regular season. It should be a lopsided affair in East Lansing.

All eyes are on the Michigan State Spartans offense which struggled mightily last season. Head coach Mark Dantonio is known for following up a down season with a big year but can he do it again? The defense has the potential to be a top-five defense in the country. Yes, that good. Many say this is the best team defense Dantonio has ever had, and that’s saying a lot. The Spartans have had some fantastic defenders over the years.

Knowing the defense won’t be an issue, all eyes will focus on the offense. This seems unrealistic, but the Spartans ranked 125th in total offense out of 129 qualifying schools last season. How is that even possible? A middle of the road offense complimented by the stellar defense this season will go a long way for Michigan State to once again compete for a Big Ten title.

More from Detroit Jock City

After a lackluster offense, Mark Dantonio played musical chairs with his coaching staff. Brad Salem will take over the play-calling duties this season. He will flip positions with Dave Warner who last year called the plays for the Spartans. Warner rather than being terminated after an awful season remains employed. A bit of a head-scratching move by Dantonio. Even promoting Salem is a bit questionable rather than making an outside hire, but only time will tell.

Don’t expect the Spartans to dig deep into their bag of tricks on offense tonight because they simply shouldn’t need too. Expect the defense to smother Tulsa. I won’t be at all surprised if Tulsa fails to record a touchdown. It’s important that Brian Lewerke gets into a groove. He’s entering the season with a healthy shoulder that limited his abilities last season. If the Spartans can get average quarterback play on a regular basis it should be enough to sustain a successful season.

Expect a heavy dose of Connor Heyward, but as the game starts to get out of hand, both Collins and Jefferson will each see their fair share of carries. Salem is expected to run a much more uptempo offense spreading the defense out rather than settling for a power run methodical moving look.

Raequan Williams will be featured inside for the Spartans. He’s an absolute beast against the run. Williams will clog the middle of the field all season long. His draft stock will be fun to watch as the season wears on. Williams could very well end up as a top-ten pick in next year’s NFL draft. He will set the table for DE Kenny Willekes. The pair both can’t be double-teamed, one will be able to feast. The stellar DL also allows linebacker Joe Bachie to do his job much easier not having to fight through the wash to get to the ball carrier. This defense will be fun to watch.

Next. Spartans Can Win The Big Ten. dark

Matchup: Tulsa at Michigan State

When: 7 p.m

Where: Spartan Stadium, East Lansing

TV/radio: FS1, 760-WJR-AM

Home/Michigan State Spartans