It’s hard to criticize a team that went to the College Football Playoff last season, but it’s no surprise that MSU’s defense, more specifically the secondary, proved to be the team’s Achilles' heel in the College Football Playoff.
The Spartans struggled with injuries all throughout the season which led to a lack of depth. When it became crunch time for MSU against Alabama, Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban challenged his future coaching successor and got the best of Dantonio, resulting in a 38-0 rout on New Year's Eve.
But it’s a new year now — guys who saw time last season are now experienced leaders, and the Spartans’ depth chart is now healthy and replenished.