Back to the Michigan State Spartans Newsfeed

Michigan State football's defense should dominate in 2019. Here's why

Michigan State football coach Mark Dantonio's press conference to recap the 2018 season and to address staff changes on Thursday, Jan. 10, 2018. Chris Solari, Detroit Free Press

EAST LANSING — Mark Dantonio recalled Michigan State football’s 2012 season as being similar to 2018.

He’s hoping the Spartans’ “championship-level defense” in 2019 resembles the one that in 2013 produced a Big Ten championship and Rose Bowl win.

MSU will return all but three starters from a unit that finished first in the nation against the run, eighth in points allowed and 10th in overall defense.

“Outstanding job,” Dantonio said last week to wrap up the Spartans’ 7-6 season, “and we'll continue to be able to do that.