The Bone Yard

I just look at their weapons at WR and get very underwhelmed. It takes two to tango. I don't think Gardner would be a bad QB, but I also think whoever their QB is going to be next year doesn't have much to work with. Their leading WRs are Gardner (who could be QB), Gallon (a 5'9" slot guy) and Dileo (a 5'10" guy). Perhaps their TE Funchess gets some looks, but he's not going to be a primary read in much of Borges' offense anyway. They need a big bodied, fast receiver on the outside and my point is that Gardner will be that guy.

Their defense will be stout but I see them losing at least 3 or 4 games next season even though their schedule sets up better than this year's schedule. Their first seven games are (home in bold): Central Michigan, Notre Dame, Akron, UConn, Minnesota, PSU, and Indiana

They could easily be between 7-0 and 5-2 after that schedule. It sets up well to get a new QB in but talent wise they will be taking a step back and not just at the QB position. They need someone like Gardner out on the edges, a go to guy to settle down a new QB. If they leave Gardner at QB (where he's played all of 5 total games MAYBE) they lose that dynamic.

Originally I had Northwestern in 2nd place, and still believe that may be the case. If that's the way it turns out then I see a toss up between Michigan and MSU for 3rd place.

FWIW, I don't see a let down by the Huskers against Iowa, and Iowa doesn't have talent, depth or the desire to beat Nebraska.

Well if they just pass interfere Roundtree they would have beat Michigan this year, and they should be better next year with Michigan in transition. If thet beat MSU at home, which is highly likely then they'll have a chance, but I did put them 3rd and I think that's very likely.

It is called an opinion, just like the rest of the great posts in this thread. I could be wrong once next year.

Tuna.... Michigan State loses most of an offensive line that was mediocre at best this season and they lose Johnny Adams. They have a few decent receivers and Dion Sims will be back. If I were Le'Veon Bell I would go to the NFL this year because his draft stock will only get lower next season as teams realize how slow he is. They'll be good, and I see them battling Michigan for that third spot but Northwestern has a decent shot at beating both. They will be playing both Michigan and Michigan State at home.