Expert selects Spartans to participate in CFB playoffs in 2019

Michigan State's hopes for football were mixed in 2019, but one expert thinks the Spartans will play in the playoffs.

Predicting the field of this year's college football playoffs after Alabama and Clemson does not make sense. At this point, everyone is fighting for No. 3 and 4, as it is assumed that the Crimson Tide and the Tigers will be back.

The Big Ten were eliminated last season while Oklahoma and Notre Dame qualified for the playoffs, although the Ohio State is about to do so.

Where are the Big Ten in 2019? Ohio State and Michigan are the two favorites to win the conference, but a CBS Sports expert from In university football chose the Spartans not only to win the league, but also to represent the Big Ten in the playoffs.

Brian Jones, a former NFL linebacker, chose Georgia and Clemson as one of the top two teams, but his choice for third place was the Spartans. At No. 4, he chose Oregon. So, in this scenario, the Spartans would face Clemson and Alabama would not even be on the field.

Although it's a monumental shock, no Michigan State fan is as surprised at the love that the team raises. Even with a medium attack, the Spartans would have won 10-11 games last season. They have a decent playoff defense and the No. 1 defending champion in the conference and the first unit to stop the race in the country.

A playoff spot is possible, but not quite likely unless the offense is progressing fast.

What do you think of this prediction of Jones? It's nice to see Mark Dantonio and the Spartans get a little respect nationally, but they deserve it after their mediocre campaign of 2018.