Here's where Penn State Football's opponents rank in the AP Poll

Here’s where Penn State Football’s opponents rank in the AP Poll

STATE COLLEGE, PA - NOVEMBER 13: Cade McNamara #12 of the Michigan Wolverines meets with Sean Clifford #14 of the Penn State Nittany Lions on the field after the game at Beaver Stadium on November 13, 2021 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

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Nov 27, 2021; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Sean Clifford (14) passes the ball over Michigan State Spartans linebacker Cal Haladay (27) during the fourth quarter at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

Michigan State Spartans (No. 15)

The Michigan State Spartans surprised a lot of people last year, finishing 11-2 with a NY6 Bowl win.

That will not be the case in 2022 as the AP has the Spartans at No. 15 to start the year.

Heisman finalist running back Kenneth Walker is off to the NFL, but quarterback Payton Thorne and leading receiver Jayden Reed do return for Michigan State.

On defense, one of the nation’s best linebackers Cal Haladay returns. He will be joined by the likes of Jeff Pietrowski, who had 5.5 sacks last year. Georgia transfer Ameer Speed is a name to watch at cornerback as well.

It will be interesting to see how Michigan State replaces Walker. They brought in two transfers in Jarek Broussard and Jalen Berger to try to fill the void. Thorne may have to do more of the heavy lifting for the offense in 2022.

Michigan State will visit Penn State on senior day on Nov. 26.

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