3 reasons Michigan State will win the College Football Playoff
The Spartans staged one of the most spectacular drives in college football history when they marched 82 yards on 22 plays to score the game-winning touchdown, beating the Hawkeyes 16-13. In doing so, Michigan State won the Big Ten title and earned a berth into the College Football Playoff.
The No. 3 Spartans rocket into the playoffs as one of college football's hottest teams. Here are three reasons why Michigan State will win the national title.
Offensive line play
Mark Dantonio stresses dominant line play as a key ingredient for a championship caliber team, and the Spartans have it in spades. Though the unit has incurred injuries during the season that made them unstable at times, they are healthier now.
In the past three weeks, Michigan State used its rushing attack to wear down opponents’ defenses. The best illustration of this came on Saturday night when the Spartans relied on their offensive line to impose their will against one of the nation's best rushing defenses. Trailing the Hawkeyes 13-9 with 9:04 remaining in the game, Michigan State ran the ball 21 times on its game-winning drive, signifying how much trust Dantonio and his staff have in their offensive line's ability to execute when the pressure is on.
This is an experienced unit that has faced some of the country’s best defensive lines in Iowa, Penn State, and Ohio State. Their play will be a big reason why the Spartans win the national title.
Rush defense
The Spartans feature one of the fastest and most athletic front seven defenses in the country. Anchored by the explosive Shilique Calhoun, this unit has a nose for flying through gaps and finding the ball carrier. This is the same defense that shut down one of the nation's best running backs in Ezekiel Elliott, holding him to just 33 yards.
Because they are so adept at stopping the run, it forces teams to throw the ball more often, making it easier for Michigan State to use its explosive playmakers to pressure the quarterback. If they can replicate this success in the playoffs, particularly against a run-heavy offense in Alabama, it bodes well for the Spartans' chances.
Mark Dantonio
Dantonio continues to be one of college football's most underrated coaches. He's consistently able to get the most from his players, because they believe in him. Moreover, he keeps a cool head when the pressure is on, something players have adopted from him.
Further, under Dantonio, the Spartans play exceptionally well in the postseason. Michigan State has won its last four bowl outings, including two high-profile games against Stanford and Baylor. Dantonio and his staff know how to game plan for an opponent, and it shows in their success.
Overall, Michigan State has all the ingredients to win the national championship: a dominant offensive line, an excellent head coach, and a solid run defense. The Spartans have faced adversity due to injuries and a stunning loss to Nebraska, and rebounded with tenacity and poise. This is a team that might win games ugly at times, but they have the grit, determination, and the heart of a champion.