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ASU Football: Who’s the toughest opponents on the schedule?

By Sam Ficarro

PASADENA, CA - NOVEMBER 11: Manny Wilkins #5 of the Arizona State Sun Devils leaps past Adarius Pickett #6, Jamel Cook #21 and Kenny Young #42 of the UCLA Bruins for a touchdown during the first half of a game at the Rose Bowl on November 11, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA - NOVEMBER 11: Manny Wilkins #5 of the Arizona State Sun Devils leaps past Adarius Pickett #6, Jamel Cook #21 and Kenny Young #42 of the UCLA Bruins for a touchdown during the first half of a game at the Rose Bowl on November 11, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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SAN DIEGO, CA – DECEMBER 28: Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans eludes Dylan Hanser #33 of the Washington State Cougars on a run play during the second half of 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: Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans eludes Dylan Hanser #33 of the Washington State Cougars on a run play during the second half of the SDCCU Holiday Bowl at SDCCU Stadium on December 28, 2017 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

2. Michigan State Spartans

Finally, Arizona State’s third non-conference opponent is listed and what a doozy this will be on Sept. 8.

The Sun Devils will host the Spartans, who finished the season 10-3 with a win in the Holiday Bowl against Washington State.

Michigan State is a trendy pick to contend for a Big Ten championship this season as they return a large part of their starters from last season. They’ll likely be a top-15 preseason team when they face ASU.

Quarterback Brian Lewerke is back for the Spartans after throwing for just under 3,000 yards, 20 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Lewerke was also the team’s second-leading rusher at 559 yards and five touchdowns.

Running back LJ Scott returns this season after leading the team with 898 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. In aide to the running game, Michigan State also returns their three leading pass catchers from last season.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Spartans were back to being a dominant unit allowing just 20.0 points per game and 95.3 rushing yards per game last season.

Linebacker Joe Bachie is back after leading the team with 100 tackles last season. Defensive tackles Raequan Williams and Mike Panasiuk are back as well to stuff the running gaps.

As you can tell, Michigan State will be a formidable team and it will be a massive test for Arizona State as the Spartans will look to return to the College Football Playoff.

This will be the biggest non-conference home game for Arizona State since they hosted Notre Dame in 2014 when it was a top-10 showdown.

The Sun Devils will hope for a good showing against Michigan State will give them confidence that can carry through the Pac-12 schedule.

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