How the Michigan State Spartans fare in this coming College Football season depends greatly on how well they fill some gaping holes on offense.

The Big Ten Conference team finished last season 7-5 SU after starting 4-0 SU. But the Spartans’ schedule was particularly tough down the stretch, and four of their five losses were to teams that were 14th or better, with three of those on the road.

Michigan State is at +7500 odds in NCAA Football Betting Futures at BetUS to win the 2009 BCS National Championship next season, and +1000 to win the Big Ten. The Ohio State Buckeyes are the favorite to win the conference at +125.

The Spartans will enter the 2008 season without their top two receivers from last year, Devin Thomas and Kellen Davis. They will also be without four starting offensive linemen.

One bright spot on offense is the return of quarterback Brian Hoyer, who had a solid season, his first as a starter.

On defense, the secondary is an experienced group, led by safety Otis Wiley.

But there will also be a number of holes to fill along the Defensive Line, with tackle Greg Jones one of the few experienced, returning players. The Spartans have lost both DEs, including Jonal Saint-Dic, who finished with 10 sacks last year.

Michigan State does have a fairly favorable schedule going for it. After starting the season with a big game in California against the Golden Bears, the Spartans have three relatively easy opponents before commencing conference play.