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Big Ten Week 1 Power Rankings: Illinois Makes Strong Opening Claim

By Noah Strackbein

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Sep 2, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive end Demetrius Cooper (98) gestures to the sideline during the second half against the Furman Paladins at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 2, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive end Demetrius Cooper (98) gestures to the sideline during the second half against the Furman Paladins at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 3 Michigan State

Week 1 result – 28-13 win over Furman

To say the least, Michigan State underperformed in Week 1. Winning by 15 points to Furman isn’t a big deal for a team in the lower half of the Big Ten. But for Michigan State it’s a concern.

The Spartans’ concern isn’t in the 13 points they allowed, but the fact that they only won by 15. Tyler O’Connor needs to be a bigger threat for this team moving forward. Only 190 is not going to be enough for a team with little ground game.

Michigan State will need to fix the problem on the ground, or become more of a passing unit if they want to repeat the success they had last year. LJ Scott has the ability to be a top back in 2016, but 20 rushes for 105 yards against Furman is not a strong debut.

The Spartans put themselves in the category of a questionable team after Week 1. We’ll need to wait and see how the progress after getting the rust off.

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