Way too early 2021 Big Ten power rankings | Where does Penn State Football stand?
12. team. 805. . . . Spartans
Michigan State was thrown for a loop when head coach Mark Dantonio abruptly resigned, leading them to bring in Mel Tucker over from Colorado.
The Spartans struggled, going 2-5 and finishing last in the Big Ten East in 2020. However, Sparty did pick up two big wins, upsetting in-state rival Michigan in week 2, and then 8th ranked and undefeated Northwestern late in the season.
The most pivotal outcome of the season seemingly came in their week 8 trip to Happy Valley, falling 39-24 to Penn State Football, but found their quarterback of the future in freshman Payton Thorne. Thorne threw for 325 yards and three scores against the Nittany Lions, a game in which they led by double digits at halftime.
The Spartans defense was not up to its usual standards last season, surrendering 35 points per game. They are young on that side of the ball and bring back defensive back Shakur Brown who led the conference in interceptions last season.
Tucker did a nice job salvaging 2020 with two big wins, and if they found the answer at quarterback could be much improved in 2021, however a lot of “IF’s” for the Spartans.