By Chris Murray Posted on August 25, 2016 With most pundits picking either Michigan or Ohio State to be the standard bearer of the Big Ten East and the winner of the Big Ten title in 2016, some college football publications think defending champ Michigan State won’t relinquish its title easily. A Mark Dantonio team putting up a fight? That seems like an obvious statement. There’s a little more to the story than that. Of all the teams in the Big Ten East, the Spartans could throw a monkey wrench into the best-laid plans of the Buckeyes and Wolverines, two teams they face at home in East Lansing this season. Granted, the Spartans, who are ranked 12th in the Associated Press poll, have lost key players on both sides of the ball: quarterback Connor Cook, offensive tackle Jack Conklin, wide receiver Aaron Burbridge, and — on defense — Shilique Calhoun. The player head coach Mark Dantonio will miss the most: Cook, who was the winningest quarterback in Michigan State history with a 34-5 record and two Big Ten titles. Cook had a knack for winning big games. Fifth-year senior Tyler O’Connor is the Spartans’ starting quarterback. Last season, O’Connor and…
Continue Reading: Michigan State could derail best-laid plans of Michigan, Ohio State
