2021-2022 CFB Big Ten East preview: Key players, schedule, predictions 

Michigan State Spartans: Big Ten East

Michigan State head coach Mel Tucker

Michigan State was one of the top teams in the Big Ten. However, the Spartans are entering a rebuild for the first time in a long time. This will be Michigan State's second season under Mel Tucker, who will look to find some success during the 2021-2022 season.

Here's a look at the Michigan State Spartans' strengths and weaknesses heading into the 2021 season.

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2021-2022 Big Ten East Conference preview: Michigan State Spartans

Michigan State edge rusher Drew Beesley

Michigan State's strengths: Michigan State has the second-best defensive line in the Big Ten with edge rusher Drew Beesley anchoring down that line. The one area on offense that stands out is the running back position. The Spartans rank third in the Big Ten at running back.

My dream was to come back to East Lansing and we got to show why this place is so special in the month of June. Our staff worked hard to give the full East Lansing experience and I can’t wait for the future of this program 👊🏾 #GoGreen pic.twitter.com/y93EGzNCsf

— Mel Tucker (@Coach_mtucker) June 28, 2021

Michigan State's weaknesses: Unfortunately, the Spartans struggle at almost every offensive position outside of running back. Their defensive secondary is ranked 12th in the Big Ten heading into the 2021 season. The Spartans may not be at the top of the Big Ten, but they have a shot at finishing in the middle.

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Michigan State Spartans key players: Offense

RB: Kenneth Walker III - The Wake Forest transfer will hand a massive boost to the Spartans' run game heading into the 2021 season. Things are going to be different for Kenneth Walker III coming from the ACC to the Big Ten, though. In the two years he spent at Wake Forest, Walker III ran for 1,158 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 217 carries.

WR: Ricky White - Pro Football Focus has Ricky White as a potential breakout player for the Spartans this fall. White appeared in three games during the Big Ten season. He caught ten passes for 223 receiving yards and one touchdown.

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Michigan State Spartans key players: Defense

Edge: Jacub Panasiuk - Defensively, the Michigan State Spartans are strong up front. Jacub Panasiuk adds to that strength with four successful seasons with the Spartans. Panasiuk has registered 46 solo tackles, 18 tackles for loss, and 7.5 sacks entering his final season at MSU.

𝗠𝗜𝗖’𝗗 𝗨𝗣 🎙 Coach @JoePowell28 / #GoGreen pic.twitter.com/i1BP3xKPKM

— Michigan State Football (@MSU_Football) June 25, 2021

DT: Jacob Slade - The interior section of the Spartans' defensive line is anchored by junior defensive tackle Jacob Slade. He may not have eye-popping numbers like the Spartans' edge rushers, but he impacts the game in his own way. Slade has 26 total tackles, three tackles for loss and one sack in two years.

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2021-2022 Michigan State Spartans schedule

Week 1: Friday, September 3, at Northwestern Wildcats

Week 2: Saturday, September 11, vs. Youngstown State Penguins

Week 3: Saturday, September 18, at Miami Hurricanes

Week 4: Saturday, September 25, vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers

Week 5: Saturday, October 2, vs. Western Kentucky Hilltoppers

Week 6: Saturday, October 9, at Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Week 7: Saturday, October 16, at Indiana Hoosiers

Week 8: Saturday, October 30, vs. Michigan Wolverines

Week 9: Saturday, November 6, at Purdue Boilermakers

Week 10: Saturday, November 13, vs. Maryland Terapins

Week 11: Saturday, November 20, at Ohio State Buckeyes

Week 12: Saturday, November 27, vs. Penn State Nittany Lions

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2021-2022 Michigan State Spartans Prediction (7-5 overall, 5-4 Big Ten)

Michigan State will have success against the bottom-of-the-barrel teams in the Big Ten in 2021. They'll have a couple of tune-up games in their non-conference schedule. Unfortunately, the Spartans play in the Big Ten East and play Indiana, Ohio State, and Penn State.