East Lansing — Michigan State has been in this position before.
In the previous 11 seasons under coach Mark Dantonio, the Spartans have entered their share of seasons with lofty expectations. Whether it was coming off the first Big Ten title under Dantonio in 2010 or after the Rose Bowl victory in 2013, Michigan State understands what it means to have its name among those in the mix for a conference championship. And these days, often, that comes with a spot in the College Football Playoffs.
Well, as the 2018 season is set to kick off Friday night when Utah State visits Spartan Stadium, Michigan State is once again among the contenders.