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Illinois Football: How the Big Ten will shake out for the Illini

By Rees Woodcock

MADISON, WI - OCTOBER 21: The Big Ten logo on a yardage marker at the game between the Maryland Terrapins and the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on October 21, 2017 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by G Fiume/Maryland Terrapins/Getty Images)
MADISON, WI - OCTOBER 21: The Big Ten logo on a yardage marker at the game between the Maryland Terrapins and the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on October 21, 2017 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by G Fiume/Maryland Terrapins/Getty Images) /
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SAN DIEGO, CA – DECEMBER 28: Brian Lewerke (14) of the Michigan State Spartans in the game between the Washington State Cougars and the Michigan State Spartans on December 28, 2017 at the Holiday Bowl in San Diego, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA – DECEMBER 28: Brian Lewerke (14) of the Michigan State Spartans in the game between the Washington State Cougars and the Michigan State Spartans on December 28, 2017 at the Holiday Bowl in San Diego, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

4. Michigan State Spartans 9-3

The Michigan State Spartans will once again be a power in the Big Ten. They seem to always be there at the end and I give a lot of credit to the coaching staff.

This season should be no different than years past. Michigan State returns starting quarterback Brian Lewerke for his senior season. He threw for 20 touchdowns and 7 interceptions in 2017. Look for him to be great again. Their defense is going to be stellar as always too.

The non-conference for the Spartans doesn’t seem that tough. They do have a game against Arizona State, but this is the first year under Herm Edwards, so I assume there are some growing pains with that program. I see Michigan State winning the first four games with some ease.

Northwestern will be Michigan State’s first true test. They have similar teams. I see the Wildcats as a poor man’s Spartans. I think Michigan State has a good offense and is a little better than Northwestern in this area. I think the Spartans will have a better defense, though. This will be a win for Michigan State.

The next five games are a rough stretch for the Spartans. They have Penn State and Michigan next, both will be losses. They rebound nicely against Purdue and Maryland, though. Then they go up against Ohio State where they fight tough but fall short. Michigan State will end with wins over Nebraska and Rutgers to finish with a solid nine-win season.

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