Big Ten football: Predicting the final 2022 standings

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ATLANTA, GEORGIA – DECEMBER 30: Jayden Reed #1 of the Michigan State Spartans stiff arms Phil Campbell III #24 of the Pittsburgh Panthers during the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 30, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Adam Hagy/Getty Images) /

4. Michigan State

Year two of Mel Tucker in East Lansing was fantastic. The Spartans, who were predicted to finish the season with 4-5 wins, ended up 11-2 with a NY6 win. Along with these accomplishments came Tucker’s second-straight win over Michigan, a streak that has made him a fan favorite among the Spartan faithful.

In 2022 Michigan State, like Penn State, is a toss-up. The Spartans lose their best player — Kenneth Walker III — and are questionable on offense coming onto the season. On top of this, most of Michigan State’s secondary (the worst in college football) is coming back, and there are more question marks all over the field.

I think Michigan State will be good, but that’s about it. Anything from 6-6 to 10-2 is absolutely on the table and, in a couple of years, I suspect MSU will be more competitive. But for now, I am giving Tucker the benefit of the doubt and going with only three losses — which I feel is reasonable.

Record: 9-3; losses at Washington, Ohio State, and Penn State

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