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Big Ten Football: Every team’s most important newcomer in 2021

By Dante Pryor

Dec 19, 2020; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day lifts the Big 10 Conference championship trophy as running back Trey Sermon (right) reacts after defeating the Northwestern Wildcats at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 19, 2020; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day lifts the Big 10 Conference championship trophy as running back Trey Sermon (right) reacts after defeating the Northwestern Wildcats at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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Syndication: Detroit Free Press
Syndication: Detroit Free Press /

Michigan State Spartans, 2-5

2019 was going to be a zero year for the Spartans. First-year head coach Mel Tucker came to East Lansing very late in the hiring cycle, and then COVID-19 happened. Tucker did not see his team in person until August. Then the off again, on again season in the Big Ten did not help. Frankly, recruiting took a dip, and the cupboard was not full either.

There are three critical areas of the Spartans that need improvement; quarterback, defensive back, and linebacker. Michigan State could not throw last season, completing 55 percent of passes, throwing 12 interceptions. The pass defense was no better; quarterbacks completed 61.1 percent of passes with just five interceptions all by Shakur Brown.

The run defense allowed four yards per rush and over 150 yards in three games, including over 300 yards to Ohio State. These three players will help in these areas:

  • Anthony Russo (transfer), QB: Russo was the first transfer signee by the Michigan State staff. That either means Tucker and his offensive staff feel the need for depth and competition at quarterback, or Russo will start next season. By the looks of the other signees, Tucker and offensive coordinator Jay Johnson want to get back to running the football and need a reliable, steady quarterback to lead the offense. Russo fits that based on what he was asked to do at Temple. However, don’t count out Theo Day or Payton Thorne to start with a full offseason to compete.
  • Marqui Lowery, Jr. (transfer), CB: Anytime you have just one defensive back with interceptions, you need more defensive backs with a knack for turning the ball over. Lowery fits that description. Lowery has a knack for being around the ball and has great skills when the ball is in the air. Lowery also is nosy in the running game and a willing tackler.
  • Itayvion Brown (transfer), OLB: Brown is quite possibly the crown jewel of Tucker and his staff’s transfers. First, Brown is young and has three years of eligibility left. The Saint Louis native has ideal size (6-foot-3) to play outside linebacker or even a situational defensive end. Brown has great ball skills for a linebacker as he played wide receiver in high school. An elite athlete, Brown could find his way to play either tight end or wide receiver. Where ever Brown lands, he will be great.
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