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Wisconsin Football: Big Ten Power Rankings

By Tanner Nestle

MADISON, WI - OCTOBER 15: Alex Hornibrook #12 of the Wisconsin Badgers runs with the football during the second quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Camp Randall Stadium on October 15, 2016 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images)
MADISON, WI - OCTOBER 15: Alex Hornibrook #12 of the Wisconsin Badgers runs with the football during the second quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Camp Randall Stadium on October 15, 2016 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images) /
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SAN DIEGO, CA – DECEMBER 28: Chris Frey #23 and Drew Beesley #86 of the Michigan State Spartans of the Michigan State Spartans celebrate defeating the Washington State Cougars 42-17 in the SDCCU Holiday Bowl at SDCCU Stadium on December 28, 2017 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA – DECEMBER 28: Chris Frey #23 and Drew Beesley #86 of the Michigan State Spartans of the Michigan State Spartans celebrate defeating the Washington State Cougars 42-17 in the SDCCU Holiday Bowl at SDCCU Stadium on December 28, 2017 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

5. Michigan State Spartans

Just two years removed from a 3-9 season, Michigan State is potentially a sleeping giant. The Spartans return most of their team from last year that jumped from said 3-9 record to 10-3 with an impressive Holiday Bowl win over Washington State.

Until the previously mentioned overtime loss to Northwestern, Michigan State was looking like a contender for the Big Ten East crown. The heartbreaking loss was followed up a few weeks later by a drubbing at the hands of Ohio State. The Spartans finished the season strong and had nothing to be disappointed about. They could be even better this season.

Brian Lewerke is one of the more dynamic quarterbacks in the conference with the playmaking ability he showed with his feet last year. Another season of development will surely do him will. Plus, L.J. Scott is returning for what feels like his 7th season in East Lansing. Scott has yet to break the 1,000-yard mark in his Spartan career, but should be able to accomplish that this year. He’s a very reliable back.

Michigan State’s defense is also very underrated and could become one of the best in the country. The question marks on offense will have time to sort themselves out thanks to an experienced group on the defensive side of the ball.

Mark Dantonio is a respected coach and his teams usually live up to expectations, but they just have a few too many question marks on offense at the skill positions and on the line to warrant a spot higher on this list.