Michigan State Spartans Non-Conference Outlook

It seems as though Michigan State is finally beginning to hit its stride with Mark Dantonio at the helm.

They are starting to win, and win consistently, which in turn is attracting some high profile talent from around the nation. But most importantly, Michigan State is beginning to win the in-state recruiting battle over the University of Michigan.

The one thing that can help to improve recruiting and continue Michigan State on its rise in the Big 10 is winning the important in conference games as well as the oft overlooked non-conference games.

First up for the Spartans is Montana State out of the Big Sky Conference. Now it is common for the larger schools to schedule smaller schools in the first few weeks of the season to pad their record for the remainder of the year, but no team can be overlooked.

The first game of the season is always a bit choppy, as players are adjusting to full playing speed and playing for the first time in front a big crowd.

As long as Michigan State keeps its head on straight, there is really no reason for them to lose this game, as they have the edge in every category from points per game to fumbles.

Again, no team can be underestimated because that is when they pull the upset (see Appalachian State over Michigan.)

Up second for the Spartans is Central Michigan, an annual contender in the Mid-America Conference.

Central Michigan features a high octane offense lead by QB Dan LeFevour who is incredibly mobile and rushes almost as much as he passes. LeFevour is the MAC's version of Tim Tebow.

But, Central was beat last season when they faced another high speed offense, so if the Spartans can play fast they should be able to beat the Chippewa’s effectively.

This will be the first test of the season and should tell Coach Dantonio just how his new players are handling their roles.

The first true test of this team will come in Week Three when State faces off against Notre Dame for the Megaphone Trophy.

Notre Dame should be considered as part of the Big 10, as they are annually playing most of the conference. The Irish are always a tough game and with Clausen coming into his own it should continue to be.

Notre Dame rolls out a pro-style game that features the run as well as the passing game, but recently the recruiting talent brought in by Coach Charlie Weis has come into question.

As more and more of Weis' recruits make the starting line up the winning percentage is dipping, it may be nothing but it is intriguing.

State should by this time have figured out which of their quarterbacks will be the starter and he will begin to develop a rhythm with his receivers and offensive line.

If the Spartans come out firing on all cylinders they should be able to overwhelm the Irish. But again, Clausen has the ability to beat teams and should be watched carefully.

The final non-conference game comes in Week 10 against the Western Michigan Broncos. Western Michigan is always a player in the MAC and is not to be overlooked.

The Broncos had an up year last year, beating their rival Central Michigan for the first time in 12 years. But, the Broncos have proved to be a streaky team and may have a down season.

Coach Bill Cubit has done wonders with the team since he took over in 2005, but they are not up to the caliber of play featured by the Big 10 and Michigan State.

State should be on a roll coming off their conference games and playing some of the best football of the season and should have no trouble rolling over the Broncos.

Michigan State has a relatively weak schedule this season and if they take care of their non-conference games they will be well on their way to a high profile bowl game on New Year’s Day.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?