The Michigan State Spartans are gearing up for another exciting season in 2024, and fans are eagerly anticipating what’s in store for the team. After a promising 2023 campaign that saw them finish with a 8-5 overall record and a 5-4 mark in Big Ten play, the Spartans are looking to build on that momentum and make a deeper run in the conference standings.
Returning Core and Key Additions
Michigan State returns a significant number of players from the 2023 team, including several key contributors on both offense and defense. Quarterback Katin Houser is back after a solid freshman season, and he’s surrounded by a talented group of receivers, including Montorie Foster Jr. and Jalen Berger, who will be looking to take their talents to the next level.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Spartans return a number of key players, including linebacker Jaden Mangham and defensive back Khalil Majeed. The Spartans also made some savvy additions to the roster through the transfer portal, including quarterback Ty Watson, who brings a strong arm and leadership skills to the position.
| Player | Position | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Katin Houser | QB | Sophomore |
| Ty Watson | QB | Grad Transfer |
| Montorie Foster Jr. | WR | Senior |
| Jalen Berger | RB | Junior |
Strengths and Weaknesses
Michigan State’s strengths heading into the 2024 season include a talented young quarterback in Katin Houser, a strong receiving corps, and a defense that’s been bolstered by the return of several key players. The Spartans also have a strong special teams unit, with kicker Jonathan Nibbs and punter Daniel Kim leading the way.
However, the Spartans also have some areas that they’ll need to address if they want to make a deep run in the Big Ten. One of the biggest concerns is the offensive line, which lost some key players to graduation and will need to be rebuilt. The Spartans also need to improve their running game, which was inconsistent last season.
Pros:
- Talented young quarterback in Katin Houser
- Strong receiving corps
- Bolstered defense with key returning players
Cons:
- Offensive line needs to be rebuilt
- Running game was inconsistent last season
Schedule Analysis
The Spartans’ 2024 schedule is a challenging one, with a number of tough non-conference games and a Big Ten slate that features some of the toughest teams in the country. The non-conference schedule includes road games against Florida Atlantic and Oregon State, both of which will be tough tests for the Spartans.
In Big Ten play, the Spartans face a number of top-notch opponents, including Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State. However, they also have some winnable games against teams like Northwestern and Rutgers.
Key Games:
- Florida Atlantic (road)
- Oregon State (road)
- Michigan (home)
- Ohio State (road)
- Penn State (home)
Predictions
Based on the talent and experience returning to the team, as well as the additions made through the transfer portal, Michigan State is projected to finish with a 7-5 overall record and a 4-5 mark in Big Ten play. While the Spartans won’t be favored in many of their games, they have the potential to pull off some big upsets and make a run in the conference standings.
FAQ Section
Who is the projected starting quarterback for Michigan State in 2024?
+Katin Houser is the projected starting quarterback for Michigan State in 2024, although Ty Watson, a grad transfer quarterback, will also be competing for playing time.
What are the biggest challenges facing Michigan State’s offense in 2024?
+The biggest challenges facing Michigan State’s offense in 2024 include rebuilding the offensive line and improving the running game, which was inconsistent last season.
How does Michigan State’s 2024 schedule compare to previous seasons?
+Michigan State’s 2024 schedule is a challenging one, with a number of tough non-conference games and a Big Ten slate that features some of the toughest teams in the country.
What are the Spartans’ chances of making a bowl game in 2024?
+Based on the talent and experience returning to the team, as well as the additions made through the transfer portal, Michigan State is projected to finish with a 7-5 overall record, which should be enough to secure a bowl game berth.
