How many wins will Michigan State have in 2013?

Michigan State enters the 2013 season coming off a disappointing 7-6 record in 2012.

The Spartans had a defense capable of a much better record, but the offense struggled with consistency all season.

This year, the Spartans seem to have the same question marks they did throughout last season. While the defense looks as if it should be pretty strong again, the offense looks like it could be a continual work in progress.

Can running backs like Riley Bullough, Nick Hill, Jeremy Langford and others combine to produce what Le’Veon Bell did last season?

Can Andrew Maxwell take a step forward as a quarterback, or will Mark Dantonio be forced to hand the ball over to Connor Cook?

Will the receivers improve their pass-catching ability?

The only area the MSU offense seems to be secure in is on the offensive line, but injuries could change that quickly.

When you look at the schedule for Michigan State, there isn’t a lot of challenging home games this season. The year starts with games against Western Michigan, South Florida and Youngstown State all at home. A 3-0 start has to happen.

In conference play, MSU gets to host Indiana, Purdue and Minnesota. Those three home games should be enough to get the Spartans bowl eligible.

MSU also hosts Michigan, which I think is a toss-up right now with the game at home. It will likely be another physical battle like the 2012 game in Ann Arbor.

When it comes to road games, the schedule isn’t too easy for MSU. The Spartans head to Notre Dame, Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska and Northwestern.

MSU’s season will come down to how it plays on the road. While Illinois should be a win, the remaining road games will all be very challenging.

Right now, the “winnable” games give the Spartans 7 wins. However, MSU showed it can lose the “winnable” games last year. Regardless of what it does at home, Michigan State will need to grind out some big road wins if it hopes to contend for a championship or New Year’s Day bowl game.
What are your expectations for Michigan State in 2013?

How many wins will MSU have in the regular season?