Zach Sinykin's Sports blog: Big Ten Football Preview: Michigan State

OFFENSE: Mike Dantonio's offense is led by junior quarterback Connor Cook. He won the job in September and went on to be announced to the second team All Big Ten. With the loss of Bennie Fowler, Cook's targets will be returning starter junior Macgarrett Kings who was suspended in spring and missed valuable time. His other target, junior Aaron Burbridge, is a tantalizing talent but had a down sophomore season. Senior Tony Lippett emerged from the bottom of the depth chart to lead the team in receptions. At tight end, Josiah Price returns after starting during his freshman season, and his huge spring game raised expectations for this season. At placekicker they have Michael Geiger start after a solid freshman season.

At running back, Jeremy Langford returns for his senior season and has high expectations after a 1,422 yard season. He is hoping for another season where he finishes as a top five back in the Big Ten. Leading the offensive line will be senior center Jack Allen, who is among the best returning offensive linemen in the Big Ten. Another returning start along the line is sophomore left tackle Jack Conklin, who will have a lot of responsibility, protecting Connor Cook's blindside. With the loss of Blake Treadwell at left guard, former center Travis Jackson will shift over to be able to play significantly in his senior season. Connor Kruse will play at right guard and is a very versatile lineman. Kodi Kieler was one of the most talked about players in the spring and should be in line for a great season.

DEFENSE: The Spartan's defense last year was one of the best in not only the Big Ten but the country. Along the defensive line, the Spartans return both stud defensive ends from last year in junior Shilique Calhoun and senior Marcus Rush. Calhoun was the Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the year and is one of the most fearsome players in the country. Rush is very underrated and has been a major part of the Spartan defense in his career. In the middle is a pair of juniors in Lawrence Thomas and Damon Knox. When Thomas is healthy he is one of the most talented players on the field. Knox will play at the nose tackle position and provides a big body to push forward into the backfield. Senior Mike Sadler led the nation in punts inside the ten yard line and will be one of, in not the best punter in the Big Ten.

Taiwan Jones takes the leadership from the graduated Max Bullough and Denicos Allen. He was a tantalizing talent at outside linebacker and gets his chance inside. Trying to replace Allen's production is junior Ed Davis as the blitzing linebacker for the intimidating Spartan defense. Replacing Jones on the other side is junior Darien Harris and should produce nicely. The Spartans secondary loses two very productive players in first round draft pick Darqueze Dennard and Isaiah Lewis. Replacing Dennard is Darian Hicks who hopes to help in protecting the red zone. Trae Waynes is considered the next great corner in East Lansing. Jalyn Powell will try to bring his physical game to the Spartans center field. Senior Kurtis Drummond was first team All Big Ten last year and hopes to repeat this season.

RECRUITING: Dantonio's class is headlined by five star defensive end Malik McDowell and four star defensive back Montae Nicholson. McDowell should start in his second year in East Lansing and Nocholson will get his turn in the talented secondary of the Spartans. Dantonio and his staff also got a huge get with four star DT Craig Evans from Wisconsin and he will line of next to McDowell in the future.

2015 Needs by Steve Wiltfong: The Rose Bowl champs don't have many needs in 2015 as much of this roster will return the following season. Michigan State could take three running backs in this class; they do need a long snapper, and they'll continue to try to stack offensive linemen after taking only one two years ago-and a handful in 2014.

OVERVIEW: Michigan State should not only contend for a Big Ten title but will contend for the College Football Playoff and a national championship. They are so talented on defense and have pieces on offense to be explosive.

QB Connor Cook