Reasons for and against successful 2019 season for Michigan State football

Reason for success: Defense may be Dantonio’s best yet

It’s no secret that the Spartan defense was great last season and even the year before that. Many have written and gave various reasons as to why they were so productive last season and why they will do the same this season. However, college football analysts and writers covering the team may not realize that this good be the best defensive unit under Mark Dantonio.

The experience of this defensive unit will be extremely valuable going into this season. Not only does this Spartan defense have a great group of seniors, Michigan State has collectively a body and combination of talented, experienced and high football IQ seniors who are ready for greatness. Even the juniors who are projected to start this year were starters last season or had gained valuable playing time in 2018.

The defensive line can arguably be ranked in the top three in the nation coming into this season. It is anchored by a pair of seniors in Kenny Willekes at defensive end and Raequan Williams at defensive tackle. Another senior plays the other defensive tackle position in Mike Panasiuk with his brother Jacub Panasiuk, a junior playing the opposite defensive end position to Willekes.

There is little doubt that this defensive line will once again lead the nation is rushing defense but if they can produce more quarterback sacks and create some turnovers, the line will go down in Spartan history as one of the best ever.

The linebacker unit will not be as dominant as the defensive line nor does it have the same depth but it arguably has the anchor and captain of the defense in senior linebacker Joe Bachie. At one outside linebacker position will be another senior in Tyriq Thompson. The last starting linebacker spot goes to junior outside linebacker Antjuan Simmons. Thompson and Simmons don’t get the recognition that Bachie gets but both are vastly underrated and Simmons has star potential that will be more on display this season.

This unit does need to stay healthy because there’s not tremendous depth at the linebacker position like there was last season but if they can get an interception or two and force some turnovers, they can really help make this defense one to remember.

The secondary will miss Khari Willis and Justin Layne but there is a lot of depth, speed and talent in this unit. The defensive backs will be anchored by arguably the most talented NFL-ready player on the Spartan defense in junior cornerback Josiah Scott. The other cornerback starting spot will be filled by experienced and dependable senior Josh Butler.

David Dowell returns at free safety and the strong safety will be filled by the talented Xavier Henderson. There is good depth in the secondary and they have the speed to stay with fast-paced spread offenses.

If the defense can stay healthy this season and build off of its amazing run-stopping numbers from last season by not only creating turnovers but getting a couple of defensive touchdowns, the sky is the limit.

The return of six starters from the front-seven of last year’s defense will put fear in opposing offenses. The back-four has the talent and speed to slow down spread offenses like Northwestern and, to a lesser extent, Ohio State.

Time will tell but don’t be surprised if this defense breaks records through out the season.