Spartan Spring Football Preview

Photo by: Matthew Mitchell Photography

3/14/2019 9:58:00 AM | Football

2019 SPARTAN SPRING FOOTBALL PREVIEW
March 14-April 16 (Spring Game, April 13, 2 p.m.)

SPARTAN FOOTBALL NEWS AND NOTES –
• MSU begins its 13th spring practice under head coach Mark Dantonio on March 14. The Spartans will hold their annual Green-White Spring Game, presented by McLaren Health Plan, on Saturday, April 13 at 2 p.m. in Spartan Stadium. The game will be broadcast on BTN (delayed at 6 p.m.) and BTN2Go (live).

• Michigan State has plenty of experience returning in 2019, as a total of 48 letterwinners and 17 position starters will be back for the Spartans. A total of 37 players returning have starting experience (17 offense, 14 defense, six special teams). Out of a combined 286 possible starting positions in 2018 on offense and defense throughout the course of 13 games, the Spartans are returning 212 of those starts (74 percent).

• Now in his 13th season as head coach of the Spartans, Mark Dantonio owns a 107-51 (.677) record. Dantonio has won the most Big Ten Championships (three) and bowl games (five) of any Spartan head coach and also ranks first with 11 bowl appearances. He is the only active Big Ten coach to win multiple Big Ten Championships (2010, 2013, 2015), claim a victory in the Rose Bowl (2014), and coach in the College Football Playoff (2015).

• The second-winningest coach in school history with 107 victories, trailing only Hall of Famer Duffy Daugherty (109), Dantonio also ranks first in program history in conference winning percentage (.657, 65-34 record, minimum 10 games); tied for first in AP Top 25 finishes (seven); second in Big Ten wins (65), home wins (63) and AP Top 25 wins (21); and fifth in overall winning percentage (.677). Dantonio has 10 winning seasons in his 12 years in East Lansing, including a school-record 11 bowl bids.

• On defense, the Spartans return 18 letterwinners and eight starters from a unit that finished ranked No. 1 in the FBS in rushing defense (77.9 ypg), No. 8 in scoring defense (17.2 ppg) and No. 10 in total defense (303.2 ypg). Out of a possible 143 starting positions last season over the course of 13 games, the Spartans are returning 105 of those starts (73 percent). Five of those eight returning starters started in all 13 games last season (LB Joe Bachie, S David Dowell, DT Mike Panasiuk, NT Raequan Williams, DE Kenny Willekes), while linebacker Tyriq Thompson started 12 games and defensive end Jacub Panasiuk started 11 games.

• The Spartans will welcome nine starters back on offense, including two-year starting quarterback Brian Lewerke, leading rusher Connor Heyward and the top two receiving leaders in Darrell Stewart and Cody White. MSU returns 100 percent of its passing yards from the quarterback position, 81 percent of its rushing yards and 76 percent of its receiving yards. Out of a possible 143 starting positions last season over the course of 13 games, the Spartans are returning 107 of those starts (75 percent).

• Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio announced a restructuring of his coaching staff on Jan. 10. Brad Salem, who is entering his 10th season under Dantonio at MSU, was promoted to offensive coordinator for the Spartans. Salem spent his first three seasons in East Lansing as the running backs coach and has been the quarterbacks coach the last six years. A former Division II head coach at Augustana (S.D.) for five seasons from 2005-09, Salem will also return to coaching the running backs, where he previously mentored All-Big Ten players Le'Veon Bell and Edwin Baker. Dave Warner will return to coaching the quarterbacks, where he first started at MSU from 2007-12, after serving as co-offensive coordinator and running backs coach from 2013-18. Jim Bollman will make the switch from co-offensive coordinator and coaching tight ends to the offensive line, while Mark Staten, who has been on Dantonio's coaching staff the past 15 seasons, will rejoin the tight ends room and also add duties of special teams coordinator. Don Treadwell, who served as Dantonio's offensive coordinator for three seasons (2004-06) at Cincinnati and four years (2007-10) at Michigan State, will return to the offense coaching the wide receivers. Treadwell rejoined the Spartan staff in 2018 as an assistant defensive backs coach while mentoring the freshmen. Terrence Samuel, the wide receivers coach from 2011-18, will transition into the role that Treadwell had last season on the defensive side of the ball.

• Defensive coordinator/linebackers coach Mike Tressel, who helped direct the No. 1 rushing defense in the nation in 2018 and was nominated for the Broyles Award, has added the title of assistant head coach for the 2019 season. The rest of the defensive staff (Chuck Bullough, defensive ends; Ron Burton, defensive tackles; Paul Haynes, secondary) will remain in their same roles. Bullough and Burton were named the 2018 national defensive line coaches of the year by Football Scoop.

• The Spartans return five seniors on defense who have earned All-Big Ten honors in their careers, including first-team All-American and Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year Kenny Willekes, who led the conference with 20.5 tackles for loss in 2018.

• First-team All-Big Ten linebacker Joe Bachie has led the team in tackles the past two seasons (100 in 2017, 102 in 2018) and returns for his third year as the starting middle linebacker.

• Mike Panasiuk and Raequan Williams were key reasons why MSU featured the top-ranked rushing defense in the country in 2018. The duo has started 29 consecutive games alongside each other, dating back to the 2016 season, and the streak will continue into 2019. Panasiuk was a second-team All-Big Ten choice by Pro Football Focus after collecting a career-high six tackles for loss as a junior, while Williams racked up career bests in tackles (53) and tackles for loss (10.5) to pick up first-team All-Big Ten accolades by The Associated Press.

• David Dowell, a first-team All-Big Ten safety in 2017, will return for his third year as a starter in 2019. He already has seven career interceptions and has started 23 consecutive games.

• In addition, the Spartans will welcome back cornerback Josiah Scott, a 2017 Freshman All-American who had to sit out the first eight games of 2018 with a knee injury but still was incredibly successful in his five games back in action as a sophomore, including a performance in the Redbox Bowl (four pass break-ups, 8-yard tackle for loss) that earned him Most Outstanding Defensive Player honors.

• With the win at Maryland on Nov. 3, 2018, Michigan State became bowl eligible for the 11th time in 12 seasons under head coach Mark Dantonio. In addition, MSU also won its 700th game in school history. The Spartans own an all-time record of 701-459-44 (.600) in 1,204 games. MSU became the 27th school in the FBS to win 700 games.

SPRING PRACTICE SCHEDULE (SUBJECT TO CHANGE) –
No. 1 – Thursday, March 14
No. 2 – Saturday, March 16
No. 3 – Tuesday, March 19
No. 4 – Thursday, March 21
No. 5 – Friday/Saturday, March 22/23
No. 6 – Tuesday, March 26
No. 7 – Thursday, March 28
No. 8 – Friday/Saturday, March 29/30
No. 9 – Tuesday, April 2
No. 10 – Thursday, April 4
No. 11 – Friday, April 5
No. 12 – Tuesday, April 9
No. 13 – Friday, April 11
No. 14 – Spring Game, Saturday, April 13, 2 p.m. (BTN2Go/BTN at 6 p.m. on delay)
No. 15 – Tuesday, April 16

QUICK LOOK AT 2019 SCHEDULE –
• Four of MSU's first five games in 2019 will be in Spartan Stadium, including the season opener on Friday, Aug. 30 vs. Tulsa. MSU also hosts Western Michigan on Sept. 7 and Arizona State on Sept. 14. After the Big Ten opener at Northwestern on Sept. 21, MSU returns to campus for Homecoming on Sept. 28 to face Indiana.

• Following back-to-back road games at Ohio State (Oct. 5) and Wisconsin (Oct. 12), the Spartans have a bye and will then host Penn State on Oct. 26. After a second bye weekend, MSU will also take on Illinois (Nov. 9) in East Lansing before traveling to Michigan (Nov. 16) and Rutgers (Nov. 23). Senior Day will be Nov. 30 in the regular-season finale against Maryland in Spartan Stadium.

2019 SPARTAN CAPSULE
Lettermen Lost: 20 (10 offense, 9 defense, 1 specialist)

Lettermen Returning: 48 (24 offense, 18 defense, 6 specialists)

Starters Lost: 6 (3 offense, 3 defense, 0 specialists)

Starters Returning: 21 (9 offense, 8 defense, 4 specialists)

Offensive Starters Lost (3): WR Felton Davis, RB LJ Scott*, TE Matt Sokol

Offensive Starters Returning (9): C Matt Allen, LT Cole Chewins, RB Connor Heyward*, LG Tyler Higby, RG Kevin Jarvis, QB Brian Lewerke, RT Jordan Reid, WR Darrell Stewart, WR Cody White
* counting LJ Scott and Connor Heyward as split starters at RB

Defensive Starters Lost (3): LB Andrew Dowell, CB Justin Layne, S Khari Willis

Defensive Starters Returning (8): LB Joe Bachie, S David Dowell, CB Josiah Scott, DE Jacub Panasiuk, DT Mike Panasiuk, LB Tyriq Thompson, DE Kenny Willekes, NT Raequan Williams

Starting Specialists Lost (0): -

Starting Specialists Returning (4): SN Ryan Armour, PK Matt Coghlin, KO Cole Hahn, P Jake Hartbarger

Brian Lewerke vs. Ohio State

PERSONNEL BRIEFING: OFFENSE

QUARTERBACKS CAPSULE
Letterwinners returning (2):
Brian Lewerke (3L, Sr.-5, 6-3, 214, 11 games/10 starts, 184-of-339 passing (.543), 2,040 yards, 8 TDs, 11 INTs)
Rocky Lombardi (1L, So., 6-3, 224, 8 games/3 starts, 68-of-154 passing (.442), 738 yards, 3 TDs, 3 INTs

Letterwinners lost (1):
Mickey Macius (1L, two-year graduate transfer walk-on)

Outlook: Fifth-year senior and two-year starter Brian Lewerke returns for the Spartans in 2019. Lewerke, who led the Spartans to a 10-3 record and a No. 15 AP ranking in 2017, has started 25 times (15-10 record) in his career and enters his final season ranked among the school's all-time leaders in total offense (fifth with 6,106 yards), pass attempts (sixth with 813), completions (eighth with 461), passing yards (ninth with 5,214) and passing touchdowns (ninth with 30). As a sophomore, he became the first Spartan quarterback to throw for more than 2,500 yards (2,973) and rush for more than 500 yards (559) in the same season and set MSU sophomore records for total offense (3,352 yards), passing yards (2,973), passing attempts (417) and passing completions (246); in addition, his 3,352 yards of total offense were the second most in school history. The Phoenix, Arizona, native also set MSU single-game records in 2017 at Northwestern for total offense (475) and passing yards (445).

Although he led a fourth-quarter comeback victory at No. 8 Penn State on Oct. 13, Lewerke suffered a shoulder injury against the Nittany Lions that affected him the remainder of the season. Lewerke missed three starts (Purdue, Nebraska, Rutgers) due to his injury but returned to action in the bowl game against Oregon. He finished the 2018 season ranked ninth in the Big Ten in passing (2,040 yards; 185.5 ypg) and 10th in total offense (2,224 yards; 202.2 ypg).

Filling in for the injured Lewerke, Rocky Lombardi compiled a 2-1 record as the starter. He was named the Big Ten Co-Freshman of the Week after leading the Spartans to a 23-13 victory over Purdue on Oct. 27 in his first career start. Lombardi threw for 318 yards against the Boilermakers and completed 26-of-46 passes, including two touchdowns (11 yards to Darrell Stewart in second quarter; 48 yards to Jalen Nailor in fourth quarter). Lombardi's 318 yards passing were the second most by a Spartan QB making his first career start (Ed Smith threw for 324 yards in his first career start at North Carolina State in 1976).

Lombardi started the final two games of the regular season at Nebraska on Nov. 17 and against Rutgers on Nov. 24 in Spartan Stadium. In his second career start at quarterback vs. Nebraska on Nov. 17, Lombardi collected 199 yards of total offense. He completed 15-of-41 passes for 146 yards and ran for a career-high 53 yards on nine carries (5.9 avg.). In the win over Rutgers, Lombardi was 19-of-43 for 173 yards, one TD and one interception. Lombardi played quarterback in seven games (eight games overall; punted once in an emergency situation at Arizona State). He was 68-of-154 (.442) passing for 738 yards, three TDs and three interceptions.

Heyward at Maryland

RUNNING BACKS/FULLBACKS CAPSULE
Letterwinners returning (4):
RB Weston Bridges (1L, So., 5-11, 202, 6 games, 16 carries, 53 yards, 3.3 avg. 0 TDs)
RB Connor Heyward (2L, Jr., 6-0, 236, 13 games/8 starts, 118 carries, 529 yards, 4.5 avg., 5 TDs)
RB La'Darius Jefferson (1L, So., 6-1, 227, 11 games, 78 carries, 255 yards, 3.3 avg., 2 TDs)
FB Max Rosenthal (1L, So., 6-2, 259, 8 games)

Letterwinners lost (3):
FB Ben Line (1L, Two-year graduate transfer walk-on)
FB Collin Lucas (2L, 5 games/2 starts)
RB LJ Scott (5 games/5 starts, 79 carries, 264 yards, 3.3 avg., 0 TDs)

Outlook: Junior Connor Heyward, a Paul Hornung Award finalist who was thrust into the starting tailback role in 2018 due to injuries to LJ Scott, led the Spartans in rushing as a sophomore with 529 yards (40.7 ypg) and five touchdowns on 118 carries. Heyward started eight games as Scott nursed an ankle injury throughout the 2018 season. The 6-0, 229-pound Heyward also had 32 receptions, equaling the most by a Spartan running back since Le'Veon Bell in 2012, for 249 yards, and led the team in all-purpose yards (1,065) and kickoff return yards (287). Heyward, who received MSU's Downtown Coaches Club Award for most outstanding player on offense, ran for a career-high 157 yards and two touchdowns in the win at Maryland on Nov. 3.

Scott entered the 2018 season looking to become just the third Spartan in school history to lead the team in rushing four straight seasons, but was hampered all fall with injuries and finished second on the Spartans with 264 yards on 79 carries in just five games. After playing in only four regular-season games, he contemplated coming back to MSU for a fifth season, but ultimately decided to pursue playing in the NFL and finished his career in the Redbox Bowl against Oregon. Scott closed his career ranked among MSU's all-time leaders in rushing yards (ninth with 2,855 yards), carries (ninth with 610) and rushing touchdowns (12th with 25).

Sophomore La'Darius Jefferson, a high school quarterback, saw a significant amount of time in the playing rotation as a true freshman while transitioning into his new collegiate role. He carried the ball 78 times for 255 yards and two touchdowns and also had seven receptions for 29 yards. Sophomore Weston Bridges, who battled back from a knee injury in 2017, saw brief action with 16 carries for 53 yards in six games. Elijah Collins, who redshirted in 2018, still played in three games and could see an increased role in 2019.

At fullback, sophomore Max Rosenthal took over a majority of the reps in the second half of the season due to an injury to starter Collin Lucas. Rosenthal played 85 snaps in eight games and expects to remain in his starting role at fullback in 2019.

Cody White vs. Ohio State

WIDE RECEIVERS CAPSULE
Letterwinners returning (8):
Cam Chambers (2L, Jr., 6-2, 219, 11 games, 19 catches, 264 yards, 13.9 avg., 0 TDs, 24.0 ypg)
C.J. Hayes (1L, So., 6-1, 205, 6 games, 1 catch, 13 yards)
Jalen Nailor (1L, So., 6-0, 212, 8 games/1 start, 8 catches, 138 yards, 17.2 avg., 0 TDs, 17.2 ypg)
Laress Nelson (2L, Jr., 5-8, 181, 8 games, 12 catches, 114 yards, 9.7 avg., 0 TDs, 12.7 ypg)
Brandon Sowards (3L, Sr.-6, 6-0, 193, 13 games/4 starts, 18 catches, 201 yards, 11.2 avg., 0 TDs, 15.5 ypg)
DARRELL STEWART (2L, Jr., 6-2, 218, 13 games/4 starts, 50 catches, 501 yards, 10.0 avg., 2 TDs, 38.5 ypg)
Andre Welch (1L, Jr., 5-9, 171, 5 games/1 start, 0 catches, 2 carries, 11 yards)
CODY WHITE (2L, Jr., 6-3, 218, 9 games/8 starts, 42 catches, 555 yards, 13.2 avg., 2 TDs, 61.7 ypg)

Letterwinners lost (2):
FELTON DAVIS III (4L, 7 games/7 starts, 31 catches, 474 yards, 15.3 avg., 4 TDs, 67.7 ypg)
Nick Krumm (2L, Jr., 5-10, 190, 13 games)

Outlook: The Spartan wide receiving corps was perhaps the hardest hit of all the position groups in regards to injuries in 2018, but returns eight letterwinners and two starters as the group looks to rebound and stay healthy in 2019. Seven of the eight letterwinners missed time due to injury last fall.

The group was stripped of its heart and soul when lone senior Felton Davis III was lost for the season in the seventh game of the year after rupturing his Achilles against Michigan on Oct. 20; the week before, Davis caught two touchdowns in the thrilling last-minute win at No. 8 Penn State, including the game-winning 25-yard TD grab with 19 seconds left in the fourth quarter. Davis finished his career with 100 receptions for 1,450 yards and 14 TDs.

In addition to Davis' injury, Cody White was forced to miss a month in the middle of the season due to a broken hand he suffered against Central Michigan on Sept. 29. White still led the Spartans with 555 receiving yards on 42 catches in just nine games. The 6-3, 218-pound White will again be a go-to target in 2019 as he already has 77 receptions for 1,045 yards and six TDs in his first two seasons.

Darrell Stewart, who will be a fifth-year senior, led the team with 48 catches for 413 yards, but was also forced to sit out two games while battling an ankle injury. The reliable veteran from Houston, Texas, has caught a pass in 24 consecutive games and has 101 receptions for 943 yards and three TDs in 34 career games.

Although he missed five games with an injury, sophomore Jalen Nailor showed flashes of his potential during his time as a true freshman. Nailor, a former Nevada state track champion, scored three touchdowns in his limited role, including a 75-yard run at Indiana, a 48-yard reception on a flip pass vs. Purdue, and a 16-yard TD catch at Indiana. He had nine carries for 128 yards and eight catches for 138 yards, and should see an expanded role in 2019 after playing a season-high 60 snaps in the Redbox Bowl vs. Oregon.

Brandon Sowards is expected to receive a sixth-year of eligibility from the NCAA after missing the entire 2017 season with a knee injury. Sowards had a career year in 2018 with 18 receptions for 201 yards and 11 punt returns for 81 yards in 13 games, including four starts.

Juniors Cam Chambers (19 catches for 264 yards) and Laress Nelson (12 for 114) saw their production increase during their sophomore seasons, while letterwinners C.J. Hayes and Andre Welch also return.

The group will also welcome early enrollee Tre Mosley for spring practice.

Jordan Reid

OFFENSIVE LINE CAPSULE
Letterwinners returning (9):
C MATT ALLEN (2L, Jr., 6-3, 312, 10 games/7 starts at C)
OT A.J. Arcuri (1L, So., 6-7, 296, 13 games)
C Blake Bueter (1L, So., 6-4, 318, 13 games/4 starts at C and 3 at RG in 2018)
OT Luke Campbell (2L, Jr., 6-5, 302, 9 games/3 starts at RG and 1 at LT)
OG Matt Carrick (1L, So., 6-4, 321, 11 games)
OT COLE CHEWINS (3L, Sr.-5, 6-8, 300, 12 games/9 starts at LT)
OG KEVIN JARVIS (2L, Jr., 6-4, 317, 9 games/7 starts at RG)
OG TYLER HIGBY (3L, Jr., 6-5, 300, 13 games/8 starts at LG, 3 at LT and 2 at C in 2018)
OT JORDAN REID (2L, Jr., 6-4, 300, 13 games/13 starts at RT)

Letterwinners lost (2):
OG David Beedle (4L, 6 games/4 starts at LG), OL Noah Listerman (1L)

Outlook: Michigan State suffered a rash of injuries on the offensive line last season and featured nine different starting combinations in 2018. The only player to start all 13 games at the same position was right tackle Jordan Reid – every other position on the offensive line had three different starters. The Spartans will look to stabilize the offensive line in 2019 as all five starters and nine letterwinners return. Seven of the letterwinners coming back having starting experience for a total of 113 starts among the group. In addition, out of a possible 65 starts on the offensive line in 2018, MSU returns 94 percent of those starts.

A pair of fifth-year seniors will lead the left side of the line. Left tackle Cole Chewins, who started every game in 2017, didn't play his first full game in 2018 until Week 6 against Penn State after battling back from an injury he suffered in preseason camp. Chewins started the final eight games last year and enters his final season with 25 career starts at left tackle under his belt. Left guard Tyler Higby showed his versatility last fall, as he was one of just two players in the FBS to start multiple games on the offensive line at three different positions (2 at C, 3 at LT, 8 at LG). Higby eventually settled in at left guard and started the final eight games of the season in the same position; he has started in 26 career games (21 at LG, 3 at LT, 2 at C). Matt Carrick, who earned his first letter in 2018 and played a season-high 35 snaps against Northwestern, adds depth at guard.

Junior Matt Allen emerged as the starting center in Week 3 against Indiana and started five times before missing three games with an injury. He became the third member of the Allen family to start at center for the Spartans, joining his brothers Jack and Brian. Blake Bueter, who earned a scholarship at the beginning of the season, started four games at center in place of Allen after starting the previous three weeks at right guard. Bueter's durability helped the Spartans all season as the offensive line coped with injuries and it earned him the team's Jim Adams Award as the unsung hero on offense. Allen returned to the starting lineup for the final two games of the year and looks to continue his role as the starter in 2019.

On the right side, Reid has started 13 consecutive games at right tackle and played the most offensive snaps (964) of any player on the team last season. He was named the team's most outstanding underclass lineman on offense and will be looked to as a leader entering his third season. A.J. Arcuri, who primarily played special teams to earn his first letter in 2018, provides back-up at tackle.

Junior Kevin Jarvis, who already has 17 starts in his first two seasons in East Lansing, will enter his third year as the starting right guard in 2019. Jarvis earned honorable mention All-Big Ten accolades in 2017 as he started more games (10) on the offensive line than any other Spartan in the Mark Dantonio era. Unfortunately, Jarvis was also bit by the injury bug in 2018 and was forced to sit out four of five games in the middle of the season; he finished with seven total starts in nine games overall but still led the team in knockdowns and dominators. Fellow junior Luke Campell, who started 12 times at right tackle in 2017 but moved inside last year and started three times at right guard, also provides veteran experience at the position.

TIGHT ENDS CAPSULE
Letterwinners returning (1):
Matt Dotson (2L, Jr., 6-5, 252, 13 games/2 starts, 14 catches, 159 yards, 11.4 avg., 12.2 ypg)

Letterwinners lost (2):
Chase Gianacakos (3L, 13 games/7 starts)
MATT SOKOL (4L, 13 games/12 starts, 8 catches, 100 yards, 12.5 avg., 1 TD, 7.7 ypg)

Outlook: Although the Spartans lose two-year starter Matt Sokol and three-year letterwinner Chase Gianacakos, the future is bright at tight end as junior Matt Dotson looks to take over the starting role. Dotson has 16 catches for 178 yards in his first two seasons, but his production increased significantly as a sophomore with 14 receptions for 159 yards and one touchdown. Noah Davis, who missed the entire 2018 campaign with an injury after lettering in 2017, is healthy and will participate in spring practice. Promising freshman Trenton Gillison played in two games last season but preserved his redshirt year and could see an expanded role in 2019.

Willekes, Kenny

PERSONNEL BRIEFING: DEFENSE

DEFENSIVE LINE CAPSULE
Letterwinners returning (6):
DE Jack Camper (1L, So., 6-4, 243, 11 games/1 start, 9 tackles, 2.5 TFLs, 0.5 sacks)
NT Naquan Jones (2L, Jr., 6-4, 339, 13 games, 26 tackles, 4.5 TFLs, 2 sacks, 1 PBU)
DE JACUB PANASIUK (2L, Jr., 6-3, 257, 13 games/11 starts, 31 tackles, 4.5 TFLs, 2 sacks, 1 PBU, 1 FF)
DT MIKE PANASIUK (3L, Sr., 6-4, 300, 13 games/13 starts, 25 tackles, 6 TFLs, 1.5 sacks, 3 PBUs)
DE KENNY WILLEKES (2L, Sr.-5, 6-4, 262, 13 games/13 starts, 78 tackles, 20.5 TFLs, 8.5 sacks, 1 PBU, 1 FR, 1 FF)
NT RAEQUAN WILLIAMS (3L, Sr.-5, 6-4, 298, 13 games/13 starts, 53 tackles, 10.5 TFLs, 2 sacks, 5 PBUs)

Letterwinners lost (2):
DE Dillon Alexander (3L, 1 game, 2 tackles)
DE Gerald Owens (3L, 13 games, 11 tackles, 0.5 TFLs)

Outlook: Michigan State welcomes back all four starters from last year's defensive line that helped the Spartans rank No. 1 in the nation in rushing defense, allowing just 77.9 yards per game, which was also the fifth-lowest total in school history. The group is led by defensive ends coach Chuck Bullough and defensive tackles coach Ron Burton, who were named the national co-defensive line coaches of the year in 2018 by FootballScoop.

Fifth-year senior Kenny Willekes, who was named the 2018 Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year and a first-team All-American by The Athletic, led the conference with 20.5 tackles for loss, second most in an MSU season, and also recorded a career-high 8.5 tackles. The highly energized Willekes led all defensive linemen in the FBS with a career-high 78 tackles, and according to Pro Football Focus, he had the most quarterback hits (23) and second-most QB pressures (72) of any edge rusher in the FBS. Unfortunately, Willekes suffered a broken fibula in the Redbox Bowl against Oregon, but he's expected to be fully recovered in time for the 2019 season.

A former walk-on, Willekes has racked up 151 tackles, 35 tackles for loss (126 yards) and 15.5 sacks (88 yards) in just two seasons as the starter. He already ranks ninth in MSU history tackles for loss (35) and 10th in sacks (15.5). Willekes also picked up first-team All-Big Ten accolades and second-team All-America recognition from the Football Writers Association of America, Sporting News and the Walter Camp Football Foundation. At the Spartan Football Awards banquet on Nov. 25, Willekes was named the recipient of the Governor's Award (MVP), becoming the first Spartan defensive end to win the honor since its inception in 1931.

Opposite of Willekes on the end will be junior Jacub Panasiuk, who collected 31 tackles, including 4.5 for loss with two sacks, in his first year as a starter last season. Sophomore Jack Camper and junior Drew Beesley also return as letterwinners for the Spartans and will provide depth at defensive end.

On the interior, Mike Panasiuk and Raequan Williams were key reasons why MSU featured the top-ranked rushing defense in the country in 2018. The duo has started 29 consecutive games alongside each other, dating back to the 2016 season, and the streak will continue into 2019. Panasiuk was a second-team All-Big Ten choice by Pro Football Focus after collecting a career-high six tackles for loss as a junior, while Williams racked up career bests in tackles (53) and tackles for loss (10.5) to pick up first-team All-Big Ten accolades by The Associated Press.

Two-year letterwinner Naquan Jones, who recorded 4.5 tackles for loss with two sacks and 26 stops overall, will provide back-up behind Williams.

LINEBACKERS CAPSULE
Letterwinners returning (4):
JOE BACHIE (3L, Sr., 6-2, 238, 13 games/13 starts, 102 tackles, 8.5 TFLs, 1 sack, 1 INT, 5 PBUs, 1 FR, 3 FF)
Brandon Bouyer-Randle (2L, Jr., 6-2, 229, 13 games/1 start, 21 tackles, 5 TFLs, 3.5 sacks, 1 FR, 2 FF)
Antjuan Simmons (2L, So., 6-0, 225, 13 games, 34 tackles, 1.5 TFLs)
TYRIQ THOMPSON (3L, Sr.-5, 6-1, 239, 12 games/12 starts, 31 tackles, 2 TFLs, 1 sack, 1 INT, 2 FR)

Letterwinners lost (4):
Byron Bullough (4L, 13 games, 4 tackles)
ANDREW DOWELL (4L, 13 games/13 starts, 97 tackles, 8.5 TFLs, 3.5 sacks, 9 PBUs, 1 FR, 1 FF)
Grayson Miller (4L, 13 games, 9 tackles)
Jon Reschke (4L, 13 games, 33 tackles, 6 TFLs, 0.5 sacks)

Outlook: Michigan State will be led once again in the middle by Joe Bachie, who will be entering his third year as the starting Mike linebacker and has already been named a preseason All-American by ESPN.com. A first-team All-Big Ten selection by the coaches in 2018, Bachie has led the team in tackles the past two seasons (100 in 2017, 102 in 2018). Voted a captain by his teammates, Bachie helped anchor a defense in 2018 that ranked No. 1 in the FBS in rushing defense, No. 8 in scoring defense and No. 10 in total defense. He had 8.5 tackles for loss, five pass break-ups, three forced fumbles, one interception and one fumble recovery, and was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week following his performance at Maryland (seven tackles, two TFLs, three forced fumbles).

A consistent playmaker, Bachie has 214 tackles, 19.0 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, four interceptions, seven pass break-ups, five forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in 32 career games, including 26 consecutive starts. He has recorded double-digits in tackles nine times in his career.

Fifth-year senior Tyriq Thompson won the starting job last season at Sam linebacker and ended up recording career highs in tackles (31), tackles for loss (two) and fumble recoveries (two) in 12 starts. Junior Brandon Bouyer-Randle, who has primarily seen action on third-down situations, has proven to be an effective pass rusher with five tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and two forced fumbles last season, and will look to see even more snaps on the field in 2019.

The Spartans have to replace three-year starting linebacker Andrew Dowell at Star linebacker, but two-year letterwinner Antjuan Simmons has gained plenty of experience his first two seasons and will look to take over the starting role as a junior in 2019. Simmons has 66 tackles in 26 career games and has played more than 400 snaps combined as a freshman and sophomore.

Dowell, David

SECONDARY CAPSULE
Letterwinners returning (7):
CB Shakur Brown (1L, So., 5-10, 180, 12 games, 6 tackles, 1 INT)
CB Josh Butler (3L, Sr.-5, 6-0, 176, 6 games/5 starts, 10 tackles, 3 PBUs)
S DAVID DOWELL (3L, Sr.-5, 6-1, 205, 13 games/13 starts, 59 tackles, 2 INTs, 2 PBUs, 1 FF)
S Xavier Henderson (1L, So., 6-1, 207, 13 games, 15 tackles, 1 FF)
CB Dominique Long (2L, Jr., 6-2, 192, 13 games, 12 tackles)
S Tre Person (2L, Jr., 5-10, 167, 10 games/4 starts, 18 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 sack, 2 PBUs, 1 FF)
CB JOSIAH SCOTT (2L, Jr., 5-10, 168, 5 games/5 starts, 13 tackles, 1 TFL, 2 INTs, 7 PBUs)

Letterwinners lost (3):
CB JUSTIN LAYNE (3L, 12 games/12 starts, 72 tackles, 2.5 TFLs, 0.5 sack, 1 INT, 15 PBUs)
S Matt Morrissey (4L, 13 games, 29 tackles, 2 INTs, 1 PBU)
S KHARI WILLIS (4L, 13 games/13 starts, 84 tackles, 1 TFL, 2 INTs, 10 PBUs, 1 FF)

Outlook: Michigan State returns a pair of starters in the secondary that have earned All-Big Ten honors during their careers and will likely be on national award watch lists entering the 2019 season.

Fifth-year senior David Dowell, who has started 23 consecutive games at safety, was a first-team All-Big Ten selection in 2017 after leading the team with five interceptions, and garnered third-team all-conference accolades as a junior in 2018 with a career-high 59 tackles to go along with a pair of interceptions. Dowell's leadership will be counted on in the back end of the secondary as the Spartans lost two-year starter and 2018 captain Khari Willis to graduation. Sophomore Xavier Henderson played in all 13 games a true freshman, including 141 snaps on defense, and will compete for the starting role left vacated by Willis.

Although he missed the first eight games of the season with a knee injury in 2018, Josiah Scott still showed why he's one of the best cornerbacks in the nation in the last five games of the year, recording seven pass break-ups, two interceptions and 13 tackles. He was named the Big Ten Co-Defensive Player of the Week after picking off a career-high two passes in the win over Rutgers, and earned Redbox Bowl Defensive MVP honors with a career-best four pass break-ups and three tackles vs. Oregon, including one for a loss of 8 yards. Scott was a Freshman All-American in 2017 after collecting 30 tackles, 10 pass break-ups and two interceptions.

Josh Butler and Tre Person filled in for Scott during his absence the first two months of the year, sharing time as the starter opposite of Justin Layne, who decided to forgo his senior year and enter the NFL Draft. Butler started four of the first five games last season before missing the last seven games of the regular season with an injury; he returned to the starting lineup in the Redbox Bowl against Oregon. He has 29 tackles and six pass break-ups in 29 career games, including nine starting assignments. Person converted from safety to cornerback in 2018 and tallied 18 tackles in four starts and 10 games overall. Junior Dominique Long and sophomore Shakur Brown also are returning letterwinners who provide depth at cornerback.

Coghlin, Matt

SPECIAL TEAMS CAPSULE
• Placekicker: A 2018 Lou Groza Award semifinalist and first-team All-Big Ten selection by the media, junior Matt Coghlin ranked among the Big Ten leaders in field goals made (tied for second with 18), field-goal percentage (tied for fourth at .818) and scoring (ninth at 6.5 ppg). He made 18 of his 22 field-goal attempts in 2018 (5-of-5 from 20-29 yards; 9-of-10 from 30-39 yards; 4-of-5 from 40-49 yards; 0-2 from 50-plus yards).

Coghlin was named the Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week against Indiana after he scored on a 6-yard TD run on a fake field goal in the third quarter and made all five of his point-after attempts. He became the first Spartan to score an offensive touchdown and then kick the PAT on his own TD since Sam Williams in 1958 against Wisconsin.

Coghlin opened the season with three field goals in the win over Utah State, including a season-long 49-yarder, and also had multiple field-goal outings against Arizona State (2), Northwestern (2), Purdue (3), Ohio State (2), Nebraska (2) and Oregon (2). He set a new school record with 18 consecutive field goals, dating back to 2017, before a kick was blocked in the Purdue game. That streak was also tied for the fourth longest in Big Ten history.

Coghlin became the sixth Spartan placekicker to earn first-team All-Big Ten honors, and the third under Dantonio (Brett Swenson in 2009; Dan Conroy in 2012). The Cincinnati, Ohio, native currently ranks first in MSU history in field-goal percentage (33-of-41, .805).

• Punter: Jake Hartbarger is expected to receive a sixth year of eligibility from the NCAA in 2019 after suffering a season-ending leg injury in Week 2 last season at Arizona State. Hartbarger's injury led to MSU starting four punters in 2018, most of any team in the FBS, and a total of five Spartans punted. A 2017 Ray Guy Award nominee, Hartbarger averaged 42.0 yards per punt and placed a career-high 28 punts inside the 20 to earn honorable mention All-Big Ten accolades as a junior. He is ranked seventh in MSU history in punting average (42.1) and 10th in punts (186) and punting yards (7,833). Sophomore Tyler Hunt started five times after Hartbarger's injury, averaging 40.1 yards per punt with 15 inside the 20, but also suffered a season-ending knee injury (ACL) in late October. Bryce Baringer, a walk-on who joined the team midseason last fall, started in three games and adds depth at the position.

• Long Snapper: Fifth-year senior Ryan Armour returns for his second year as the starting long snapper in 2019. Armour was instrumental in the special teams unit that didn't miss a PAT and featured first-team All-Big Ten placekicker Matt Coghlin.

• Kickoff Specialist: Sophomore Cole Hahn won the starting kickoff specialist role last year and returns in 2019. He averaged 59.4 yards with 24 touchbacks on 59 kickoffs.

• Kick Returner: Connor Heyward, who took over the kick returner job midway through his freshman season in 2017, led the Spartans with 287 kick return yards on 13 returns (22.1 avg.). Darrell Stewart (four for 117 yards) and Antjuan Simmons (two for 46 yards) also had multiple kick returns last year for the Spartans.

• Punt Returner: Sophomore Jalen Nailor returned four punts in the Redbox Bowl vs.Oregon and will look to expand his role in 2019. Fifth-year senior Brandon Sowards led the Spartans with 11 returns for 81 yards, while Cody White (five for 23 yards), Laress Nelson (two for 11) and Shakur Brown (one for 14) also returned punts for MSU in 2018.

SPARTAN FOOTBALL PROGRAM NOTES:
• Michigan State is in the midst of its winningest decade in school history based on total wins, as the Spartans are 85-34 (.714) since the beginning of the 2010 season. During that span, MSU has won five bowl games (2012 Outback, 2012 Buffalo Wild Wings, 2014 Rose, 2015 Cotton, 2017 Holiday), three Big Ten Championships (2010, 2013, 2015) and three Big Ten Division titles (2011, 2013, 2015). MSU's .714 winning percentage this decade is second best in school history (.766 in 1950s, 70-21-1). MSU was the only school to finish in the top-six of the national polls from 2013-15 (No. 3 in 2013, No. 5 in 2014, No. 6 in 2015) and the 36 wins from 2013-15 marked the winningest three-year stretch in the history of the program.

• In addition, the Spartans have earned 11 bowl bids since 2007, including a school-record four consecutive bowl victories (2012 Outback against No. 18 Georgia, 2012 Buffalo Wild Wings against TCU, 2014 Rose Bowl Game against No. 5 Stanford, 2015 Cotton Bowl Classic against No. 4 Baylor), which also tied a Big Ten record.

• The 85 wins this decade are third most in the Big Ten and tied for 13th most in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision.

• MSU's highest winning percentage by decade is currently the 1950s (.766, 70-21-1 record), but the 85 wins this current decade are already the most of any previous decade in school history (previous: 70 in 1950s).

• The Spartans have had sustained success in the Big Ten Conference under Dantonio. MSU has won two of the past six Big Ten Championships (2013, 2015) and three overall this decade, also claiming a championship in 2010. The Spartans own victories in 38 of their last 54 games against Big Ten opponents (including the Big Ten Championship Game), dating back to the 2012 regular-season finale, including 24 wins by double-figures.

Coach Dantonio and team running out vs Ohio State

Coach Dantonio and team running out vs Ohio State

MARK DANTONIO ONE OF THE MOST SUCCESSFUL COACHES IN BIG TEN HISTORY –
• Now in his 13th season as head coach of the Spartans, Mark Dantonio owns a 107-51 (.677) record. Dantonio has won the most Big Ten Championships (three) and bowl games (five) of any Spartan head coach and also ranks first with 11 bowl appearances. He is the only active Big Ten coach to win multiple Big Ten Championships (2010, 2013, 2015), claim a victory in the Rose Bowl (2014), and coach in the College Football Playoff (2015).

• The second-winningest coach in school history with 107 victories, trailing only Hall of Famer Duffy Daugherty (109), Dantonio also ranks first in program history in conference winning percentage (.657, 65-34 record, minimum 10 games); tied for first in AP Top 25 finishes (seven); second in Big Ten wins (65), home wins (63) and AP Top 25 wins (21); and fifth in overall winning percentage (.677). Dantonio has 10 winning seasons in his 12 years in East Lansing, including a school-record 11 bowl bids (Daugherty owns school record with 11 winning seasons from 1954-72).

• Dantonio's incredible run at Michigan State ranks among the best in Big Ten history. Dantonio is one of just six Big Ten coaches to have at least six 10-win seasons on their resume (Bo Schembechler, Michigan; Jim Tressel, Ohio State; Joe Paterno, Penn State; Lloyd Carr, Michigan; Urban Meyer, Ohio State) and one of four to have at least five 11-win seasons (Tressel, Paterno, Meyer).

• Dantonio is one of just 14 coaches in Big Ten history to record 100 victories. He is currently No. 14 in Big Ten history with 107 wins.

• Overall, Dantonio owns a 125-68 (.648) record in 15 seasons as a head coach (18-17 in three seasons at Cincinnati; 107-51 in 12 seasons at MSU). Dantonio's 125 career wins rank 10th among active FBS coaches and second most in the Big Ten (Kirk Ferentz; 164).

• Dantonio won his 71st game at MSU on Oct. 25, 2014, against Michigan to move into second place all-time in victories in school history (record: Duffy Daugherty, 109). Dantonio won his 100th career game as a head coach on Oct. 17, 2015, at Michigan Stadium as the Spartans rallied to defeat the Wolverines, 27-23, on a 38-yard fumble return as time expired. His career record stands at 125-68 (.648) in 15 seasons.

• Dantonio's .657 winning percentage (65-34) in Big Ten games ranks first in MSU history (minimum 10 Big Ten games). He ranks second in school history in conference wins (Duffy Daugherty, 72), which also ranks 12th in Big Ten history.

• Dantonio led the Spartans to the 2015 Big Ten Championship with a 16-13 victory over previously undefeated and fourth-ranked Iowa. It marked Dantonio's third Big Ten Championship (2010, 2013, 2015), establishing a school record (previous: Daugherty and George Perles with two each).

• Dantonio became the first coach in Big Ten history to record five 11-win seasons in a six-year span (11 in 2010; 11 in 2011; 13 in 2013, 11 in 2014; 12 in 2015), and his five 11-win seasons are tied with Joe Paterno of Penn State for third most in Big Ten history (Urban Meyer of Ohio State with seven; Jim Tressel of Ohio State with six; Paterno with five at Penn State as Big Ten member). Prior to Dantonio's arrival, MSU had not recorded an 11-win season in its history, and had just two 10-win seasons (1965, 1999).

• A two-time Big Ten Coach of the Year (2010, 2013), Dantonio has led Michigan State to Top 25 finishes seven times (2008: No. 24 in both polls; 2010: No. 14 in both polls; 2011: No. 10 USA TODAY/No. 11 AP; 2013: No. 3 in both polls; 2014: No. 5 in both polls; 2015: No. 6 in both polls; 2017: No. 15 AP/No. 16 USA TODAY). His seven AP Top-25 finishes are tied for the most in school history. Duffy Daugherty's teams posted seven Top-25 finishes during his 19-year tenure from 1954-72.

• Michigan State extended its school record by playing in a bowl game for the ninth consecutive season in 2015 (2007 Champs Sports Bowl, 2009 Capital One Bowl, 2010 Alamo Bowl, 2011 Capital One Bowl, 2012 Outback Bowl, 2012 Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl, 2014 Rose Bowl, 2015 Cotton Bowl, 2015 College Football Playoff Semifinal at Cotton Bowl).

• Dantonio also ranks first in school history with 11 bowl appearances, including a school-record streak of nine straight bowl games from 2007-15. He is 5-6 in bowl games at Michigan State, including a school-record four-game winning streak (2012 Outback, 2012 Buffalo Wild Wings, 2014 Rose, 2015 Cotton). Dantonio has led his teams to 13 bowl berths in 15 seasons as a head coach (11 at MSU, two at Cincinnati).

• Dantonio is one of just four Spartan head coaches to coach in at least 100 games at MSU and ranks second in Spartan history with 158 games coached at Michigan State (Duffy Daugherty: 183; Dantonio: 158; George Perles: 139; Charlie Bachman: 114).

• Dantonio is the third-longest tenured coach in the Big Ten (Kirk Ferentz, Iowa: 21st season; Pat Fitzgerald, Northwestern: 14th season) and eighth-longest in the FBS at the same school.

• Twenty-nine Spartans have been chosen in the NFL Draft under Dantonio's watch, including three first-round selections (CB Darqueze Dennard, No. 24 in 2014 to Cincinnati; CB Trae Waynes, No. 11 in 2015 to Minnesota; OT Jack Conklin, No. 8 in 2016 to Tennessee).

• Since 2007, Dantonio has helped develop 10 different first-team All-Americans and 12 selections overall: RB Javon Ringer (2008); LB Greg Jones (2009-10); DT Jerel Worthy (2011); RB Le'Veon Bell (2012); CB Darqueze Dennard and P Mike Sadler (2013); S Kurtis Drummond (2014); C Jack Allen (2014-15); OT Jack Conklin (2015); and DE Kenny Willekes (2018). In addition, Dantonio has helped produce 40 first-team All-Big Ten selections.

• Under Dantonio, Spartan teams have produced some of the longest winning streaks in school history. MSU's 13-game Big Ten winning streak from 2012-14 was its second-longest conference run, while MSU's 12-game winning streak that began on Nov. 15, 2014, and ended on Nov. 7, 2015, was tied for the third longest overall in school history. Dantonio also had an 11-game winning streak during the 2013-14 seasons. In addition, Michigan State has produced a 63-21 record (.750) in home games since 2007, including four undefeated home seasons (2010, 2011, 2013, 2015) and three one-loss seasons (2008, 2014, 2017).

Joe Bachie, Naquan Jones, Drew Beesley vs. CMU

Joe Bachie, Naquan Jones, Drew Beesley vs. CMU

STOPPING THE RUN –
• Michigan State ranked first in the FBS in rushing defense in 2018, allowing just 77.9 yards per game, the fifth-lowest in school history and the lowest since 1999 (76.2 ypg). The Spartans held their opponents to under 100 yards rushing eight times. MSU also ranked first in the Big Ten in conference games in rushing defense (93.8 ypg.).

• MSU only gave up 30 rushes of 10-plus yards, tied for second fewest in the FBS.

• MSU's opponents only ran the ball 392 times (45 percent of snaps, 30.2 avg.), the sixth-fewest allowed in the FBS; however, MSU's opponents attempted 477 passes (55 percent of snaps, 36.7 avg.), 10th most among FBS teams.

• Stopping the run has been the main theme for MSU on defense in the Dantonio era, and it led to ranking No. 1 in the NCAA FBS in rushing defense in 2014 (88.5 ypg) and 2018 (77.9 ypg). In addition, MSU has led the Big Ten in rushing defense six times (2011-14, 2017-18) under Dantonio. Since the Big Ten began awarding stat champions in all games in 1985, Michigan State (2011-14) became only the second team in conference history to lead the league in rushing defense four years in a row (Michigan, 1990-93). The Spartans have been ranked in the Top 25 in rushing defense eight times in the last 10 seasons, including a run of five straight years in the top 11 (2011-15). MSU has led the Big Ten in rushing defense the past two seasons and ranked No. 1 in the FBS in 2018 (77.9 ypg) and No. 2 in 2017 (95.3 ypg).

• In 158 games under Dantonio, Michigan State has held its opponent under 100 yards rushing 80 times (.506). MSU is 68-12 (.850) in those games, including a 58-7 (.892) record since 2010.

MSU KEEPING OPPONENTS OFF THE SCOREBOARD –
• For the third time under Dantonio, Michigan State led the Big Ten in scoring defense in 2018, allowing just 17.2 points per game, which tied for eighth fewest in the FBS. The Spartans also ranked No. 1 in the Big Ten in scoring defense in 2012 (16.3 ppg) and 2013 (13.2 ppg).

• MSU held its opponents to 21 or fewer points 10 times, and although Ohio State scored 26 points on Nov. 10, the defense allowed just 17 points (two TDs and one field goal).

• After allowing 38 points to Utah State in the season opener – the Aggies ranked second in the FBS in scoring offense (47.5 ppg) – MSU didn't allow a team to score 30 points again all season.

• Michigan State allowed just 12 touchdowns in the red zone, tied for second fewest in the FBS. Spartan opponents only visited the red zone 30 times all season, tied for third fewest in the FBS, and in giving up 12 TDs, the 40 percent TD mark was third lowest in the nation.

• Overall, MSU allowed just 24 touchdowns all season, fifth fewest in the FBS, and the defense was responsible for 22 of those TDs.

• MSU also ranked No. 1 in the Big Ten in conference games in scoring defense (16.6 ppg.).

GETTING IT DONE ON THIRD DOWN –
• Michigan State ranked first in the Big Ten and eighth in the FBS in third-down defense (.302). The Spartans forced seven three-and-outs in the Redbox Bowl against Oregon.

SPARTANS RANKED 24TH IN FBS WITH 14 INTERCEPTIONS –
• Michigan State ranked tied for 24th in the FBS with 14 interceptions in 13 games. Ten different players – LB Joe Bachie, CB Shakur Brown, S David Dowell, CB Justin Layne, S Matt Morrissey, DT Mike Panasiuk, CB Josiah Scott, LB Antjuan Simmons, LB Tyriq Thompson and S Khari Willis – recorded interceptions for MSU.

• Redshirt freshman cornerback Shakur Brown returned an interception 69 yards for a TD in the first quarter at Indiana to give MSU a 14-0 lead. It was MSU's first pick six since Tyson Smith vs. Bowling Green in 2017 and it marked MSU's 30th defensive TD in the Dantonio era.

• Michigan State recorded at least two interceptions in a game six times in 2018 (Utah State, Indiana, Central Michigan, Northwestern, Purdue, Rutgers), including a season-high three vs. Purdue.

• The Spartans ranked No. 1 in the Big Ten in pass break-ups (67) and passes defended (81), totals which also ranked among the best in the country (tied for No. 4 in pass break-ups, No. 7 in passes defended).

HISTORY OF STINGY DEFENSES UNDER DANTONIO –
• In 2018, Michigan State finished ranked No. 1 in the FBS in rushing defense (77.9 ypg), No. 8 in scoring defense (17.2 ppg), No. 8 in third-down defense (.302), No. 10 in total defense (303.2 ypg) and No. 10 in first-downs defense (213).

• The Spartans led the Big Ten in rushing defense (77.9 ypg) for the sixth time in the Dantonio era (2011-14, 2017-18).

• For the third time under Dantonio, Michigan State led the Big Ten in scoring defense in 2018, allowing just 17.2 points per game, which tied for eighth fewest in the FBS. The Spartans also ranked No. 1 in the Big Ten in scoring defense in 2012 (16.3 ppg) and 2013 (13.2 ppg).

• Michigan State has finished in the FBS Top 10 in total defense six times under Dantonio (No. 6 in 2011, No. 4 in 2012, No. 2 in 2013, No. 8 in 2014, No. 7 in 2017, No. 10 in 2018) and No. 1 in the Big Ten on three occasions (2011, 2012, 2013).

• The Spartans have been ranked in the Top 25 in rushing defense eight times in the last 10 seasons, including a run of five straight years in the top 11 (No. 9 in 2011, No. 8 in 2012, No. 2 in 2013, No. 1 in 2014, No. 11 in 2015) and back-to-back top-two finishes (No. 2 in 2017, No. 1 in 2018).

• 2018 marked the fourth time Michigan State has ranked in the FBS Top 10 in total defense, scoring defense and rushing defense in the same season under Dantonio (2011, 2012, 2013, 2018).

LINEBACKER JOE BACHIE LEADS SPARTAN DEFENSE IN THE MIDDLE –
• Joe Bachie, who has started 26 consecutive games at middle linebacker, led the Spartans in tackles for the second year in a row with 102. He became the third Spartan middle linebacker under Mark Dantonio, joining Greg Jones and Max Bullough, to earn first-team All-Big Ten honors (coaches, ESPN.com, Phil Steele).

• A consistent playmaker, Bachie had 8.5 tackles for loss, five pass break-ups, three forced fumbles, one interception and one fumble recovery. He earned the Downtown Coaches Club Award for the most outstanding Spartan player on defense.

• In the season opener against Utah State and with MSU holding on to a 38-31 lead late in the fourth quarter, Bachie sealed the win by batting down a pass at the line of scrimmage, then coming up with the interception. He recorded double-digits in tackles four times (11 vs. Utah State; 10 vs. Arizona State; 10 vs. Michigan; 12 vs. Rutgers).

• Bachie was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week for the third time in his career after helping lead MSU past Maryland on Nov. 3. Bachie was all over the field in the 24-3 victory over the Terrapins. The Brook Park, Ohio, native forced a career-high three fumbles, recovering one, and also had seven tackles, two tackles for loss (5 yards) and tied a career-high with two pass break-ups. Bachie's impressive performance helped Michigan State hold Maryland to season lows in total yards (100) and rushing yards (26). In addition, the Spartans recorded five sacks (43 yards) and nine tackles for loss (54 yards).

• Bachie, who started all 13 games at middle linebacker as a sophomore for the Spartans in 2017 and led the team in tackles (100; 7.7 avg.), was named the recipient of the 2017 Governor's Award, which is given annually to the program's most valuable player as voted on by the team. He was the first Spartan sophomore to win the Governor's Award since quarterback Drew Stanton in 2004.

• A third-team All-Big Ten choice by the coaches and media in 2017, Bachie was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week twice in 2017. In the win at No. 7 Michigan, Bachie became just the second Big Ten linebacker and fifth in the FBS in the last five years (since 2012) to record double-digit tackles (10) and at least one interception, one forced fumble, one sack and one pass break-up in the same game.

• In 32 career games, including 26 consecutive starts, Bachie has 214 tackles, 19.0 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, four interceptions, seven pass break-ups, five forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. He has recorded double-digits in tackles nine times in his career.

KENNY WILLEKES NAMED BIG TEN DEFENSIVE LINEMAN OF THE YEAR, TEAM MVP –
• After leading the Big Ten with 20.5 tackles for loss, defensive end Kenny Willekes was named the 2018 Smith-Brown Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year and a first-team All-American by The Athletic. Willekes became the second Spartan to win the award (Shilique Calhoun in 2013), which is named after MSU's Bubba Smith and Penn State's Courtney Brown and given to the Big Ten's most outstanding defensive lineman, and was the first Spartan defensive end to earn first-team All-America honors since Robaire Smith in 1998. Willekes was also named to the All-Big Ten First Team by the coaches, media, Associated Press, Athlon Sports, ESPN.com, Phil Steele and Pro Football Focus, and earned second-team All-America honors from the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA), Phil Steele, Sporting News and Walter Camp Football Foundation.

• Willekes, who entered the program as a walk-on linebacker for the 2015 season, has emerged as one of the top pass rushers in the nation. Unfortunately, he suffered a broken fibula in the Redbox Bowl against Oregon, but he's expected to be fully recovered in time for the 2019 season.

• A 6-4, 260-pound native of Rockford, Michigan, Willekes collected a league-best 20.5 tackles for loss in 2018, good for second most in a Spartan single season and eighth most in the FBS in 2018. He also led the Spartans with 8.5 sacks, which ranked tied for fifth in the Big Ten. He registered a career-high 78 tackles to rank first among all defensive lineman in the nation, including a career-high 13 against Ohio State on Nov. 3.

• Willekes was credited with a tackle for loss in 10 of MSU's 13 games, including a career-high 3.5 against Ohio State and Nebraska in back-to-back games. He opened the season with six tackles, two sacks (19 yards) and a forced fumble in the win over Utah State, and also posted multiple TFLs against Indiana (2.0), Michigan (2.0) and Maryland (2.5).

• According to Pro Football Focus, Willekes led all edge rushers in the FBS with 23 quarterback hits and ranked sixth with 39 QB hurries. Willekes was also the highest-ranked Big Ten edge rusher with a 90.3 grade.

• At the Spartan Football Awards banquet on Nov. 25, Willekes was named the recipient of the Governor's Award (MVP), becoming the first Spartan defensive end to win the honor since its inception in 1931.

• A chemistry major, Willekes earned a scholarship in the spring of 2017 and hasn't looked back since. The native of Rockford, Michigan, is MSU's active leader in sacks (10th in school history with 15.5) and tackles for loss (ninth in school history with 35.0). He ranks among the active career leaders in the FBS in tackles for loss (second at 1.30 per game).

• After playing in just one game as a redshirt freshman in 2016, Willekes earned third-team All-Big Ten honors in 2017 with a team-leading 14.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks.

• Willekes has recorded two sacks in a game five times in his career (2017: Michigan, Minnesota, Maryland; 2018: Utah State, Maryland).

MIKE PANASIUK & RAEQUAN WILLIAMS CONSISTENT IN THE MIDDLE OF SPARTAN D-LINE –
• Defensive tackles Mike Panasiuk and Raequan Williams have started alongside each other on the interior of the defensive line for 29 consecutive games, dating back to the Ohio State game on Nov. 19, 2016. The duo is a big reason why MSU ranked No. 1 in the FBS in rushing defense in 2018 and ranked No. 2 in 2017.

• Williams, a first-team All-Big Ten selection by The Associated Press, recorded career bests in tackles (53), tackles for loss (10.5) and pass break-ups (5) in 2018. The Chicago native ranks second among active Spartans with 21.5 career tackles for loss, including 6.5 career sacks, in 37 career games.

• Panasiuk, a stalwart on the Spartan defensive line with 29 straight starts at defensive tackle, was named honorable mention All-Big Ten for the second year in a row. Panasiuk's numbers are hard to measure in terms of impact, but the Roselle, Illinois, native is a big reason why MSU ranked No. 1 in the FBS in rushing defense, allowing just 77.9 yards per game. Panasiuk had a career-high 6.0 tackles for loss and two pass break-ups, and led the Spartan defensive tackles unit in production points. He recorded an interception and blocked a field goal in the fourth quarter in the victory over Purdue.

• In 38 career games, Panasiuk has 64 tackles, including 9.0 for losses with two sacks.

MR. VERSATILE: CONNOR HEYWARD NAMED FINALIST FOR PAUL HORNUNG AWARD –
• Running back Connor Heyward was named one of five finalists for the 2018 Paul Hornung Award, which is given to the most versatile player in college football. Heyward led the Spartans in rushing (118 carries for 529 yards), rushing touchdowns (5), kick returns (13 for 287 yards) and all-purpose yards (1,065). He also ranked third on the team in scoring (30 points; five TDs) and receptions (32 for 249 yards). His 32 receptions were the most by a Spartan running back since Le'Veon Bell (32 in 2012).

• Heyward received Michigan State's Downtown Coaches Club Award for the most outstanding player on offense. He was also named honorable mention All-Big Ten as a kick returner by the media.

• In the win over Maryland on Nov. 3, Heyward ran for a career-high 157 yards on 15 carries and tied his career high with two rushing touchdowns. He scored on an 18-yard TD in the first quarter and on an 80-yard TD in the fourth quarter that put MSU on top 24-3; Heyward's 80-yard TD run was the longest of the season for MSU and the first Spartan rushing TD of at least 80 yards since 2014 (Delton Williams 80 yards vs. Eastern Michigan). Heyward also had a career-high 208 all-purpose yards (157 rushing, 49 kick return, 2 receiving), including a season-long 49-yard kickoff return to open the second half. Heyward's 157 rushing yards were the most ever by a Spartan against Maryland (previous: LJ Scott with 147 yards in 2017).

• Heyward collected 177 all-purpose yards at Nebraska on Nov. 17, his second-best output of the season. On the ground, Heyward had a career-high 21 carries for 80 yards; he also had five receptions for a career-best 78 yards, including a career-long 36-yard catch in the third quarter and a 34-yard catch in the fourth quarter. In addition, he had a 19-yard kickoff return.

• In MSU's 21-17 win at No. 8 Penn State on Oct. 13, Heyward compiled 79 all-purpose yards, including a 26-yard run on a fake punt that set up MSU's first TD scoring drive of the game. Later on that same drive, Heyward completed a 36-yard pass to Cam Chambers to make it first-and-goal for the Spartans.

• A native of Duluth, Georgia, Heyward scored two rushing touchdowns, including the game-winning 13-yard score with two minutes left in the fourth quarter, over Utah State in the season opener.

CODY WHITE LEADS TEAM IN RECEIVING YARDS DESPITE MISSING FOUR GAMES IN 2018 –
• Cody White was having a sensational start to his second season in the Green and White with 20 catches for 300 yards in the first four games of the season, but unfortunately White suffered a broken left hand in the second quarter of the Central Michigan game on Sept. 29 while diving for a catch in the end zone. White was forced to sit out four games but returned to action on Nov. 3 at Maryland, where he caught two passes for 24 yards. Although he missed four games, he still led the Spartans in receiving yards (555; 61.7 ypg) and ranked second in receptions (42).

• White had two 100-yard receiving games in 2018 (nine catches for 113 yards and one TD at Arizona State; eight for 115 vs. Ohio State).

• White, a BTN All-Freshman Team selection in 2017, closed his first year in the Green and White with the most receiving yards by a true freshman in school history with 490. His 35 catches were second most by a true freshman (Sedrick Irvin with 40 in 1996) and most by a true freshman wide receiver (B.J. Cunningham had 41 catches for 528 yards as a redshirt freshman in 2008). White recorded 30 of his 35 catches in the second half of the season.

• In his first career start, White was named the Big Ten Co-Freshman of the Week after setting a Spartan freshman single-game record with 165 receiving yards at Northwestern on Oct. 28, 2017. That total was also the 20th-most overall by an MSU player in a single game and the third most by a Spartan against Northwestern.

• In just 22 career games, including 14 starts, White has 77 catches for 1,045 yards and six touchdowns.

DARRELL STEWART RANKS FIRST ON TEAM WITH 48 RECEPTIONS –
• Darrell Stewart led Michigan State in 2018 with 48 receptions and ranked third on the team with 413 receiving yards. Stewart missed two games (Central Michigan, Penn State) with an ankle injury.

• Stewart is one of 30 Spartans in school history to record at least 100 career catches. The Houston, Texas, native is 29th in the school record books with 101 career receptions and has 943 receiving yards and three TDs in 34 career games, including 13 starting assignments.