Michigan State quarterback Kirk Cousins has the ability to be a sleeper in the 2012 NFL Draft.  Cousins is the leader of this 2011 Michigan State Spartans football team.

Offensive Outlook: Kirk Cousins had a lot of promise heading into his sophomore season when he replaced Brian Hoyer.  Cousins has overcome tons of obstacles since the 2 year period of heading into his sophomore year up until now heading into his senior campaign.

Cousins is a dual threat scrambler quarterback with the mental makeup of an NFL quarterback.  Cousins has the intangibles of a 1st round pick and the size of a 5th round pick.  Cousins should go somewhere in round 3 in 2012.

Cousins supporting cast in terms of receiving targets is not that great.  Besides BJ Cunningham his primary flanker receiver target he doesn’t really have a top notch supporting cast.  50 receptions, 611 receiving yards, and 9 receiving touchdowns is not #1 wide receiver material, but Cunningham could be a solid #2 receiver in the NFL.

Michigan State went 11-1 last season thanks to Cousins.  Cousins had no legit pass blockers and a sub par supporting cast making the most opportunities occur with the talent that he was provided at Michigan State.  Both of Michigan State’s offensive tackles are better at run blocking then they are at pass blocking.

One supporting element that the dual threat quarterback Kirk Cousins has is the running game.  Michigan State has an outstanding run blocking offensive line that paves the way for running back Edwin Baker.  Last season Baker had over 1,200 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns.

This Spartans running game provides a lot of balance in Michigan State’s offense and makes Michigan State’s offense very difficult to stop.

Defensive Outlook: Michigan State’s defensive line is their strongest quality on defense.  4-3 right end William Gholston and 4-3 defensive tackle Jerel Worthy are the stars of this defensive line.

Michigan State’s linebackers and secondary are suspect.  Replacing players like middle linebacker Greg Jones and Chris L Rucker will not be easy.

Michigan State’s best secondary player is free safety Trenton Robinson.  Robinson is a hard hitting safety.  He has the run stuffing and blitzing ability.  Robinson also lines up like a center fielder in zone coverage awaiting passes thrown his way.

Prediction 11-1: I think Michigan State is due for another 11-1 year where they get robbed by the BCS Committee.  Michigan State’s only loss will be on October 29th at the hands of the Nebraska Cornhuskers.  If Michigan State can survive October with an 8-0 record they have a very good chance of being 12-0 heading into the first annual BIG 10 Championship.  Who knows? Maybe the Spartans could win that game and potentially get to the National Title game.  Only time will tell right?