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Is it crazy to think MSU is a legitimate Big Ten contender?

    Maybe. If so, here's a morning plate full of crazy, from me to you. The way I see it, if MSU's defense was carrying the team and the offense was struggling as expected, it would be a worse situation for the Spartans than the reverse, the reality. The offense could be as good as any in the Big Ten if the running game keeps progressing.

    The defense -- scheme, coaches, returning players -- has played well before and can do it again. Look at Notre Dame last season. The forced turnovers and red-zone stops against Iowa. Most of the Georgia game. At Northwestern. Basically, everything but Cal, Ohio State and Penn State (and even in the Penn State game, it wasn't until late second quarter that things opened up).

    I know, this is a different season and a different defense. But there's more than enough evidence to think they can be solid. They just have to communicate and tackle better. Last week, even Greg Jones had a tough day out there. Today is definitely a prove-your-manhood, last-stand kind of deal for Pat Narduzzi's bunch.

    Here are some matchups, I do think Decker will see some MLB time, especially if Eric Gordon is still banged up from the ND game. Here's my prediction, check back in a couple hours for the latest personnel news. And enjoy that spiked Kool-Aid.