Coach: Mark Dantonio
2017 record: 10-3
Projected 2018 record: 10-2
Circle the date: Oct. 20 vs. Michigan
Bowl trip: Citrus
Why No. 9: No team in the country has more than Michigan State's 19 returning starters. Ten are on offense, which figures to be among the Big Ten's best. And Dantonio always has a solid defense. ... The Spartans bounced back from a 3-9 record in 2016 to 10 wins last year. The positive talk in East Lansing helps recruiting and should keep the team motivated.