Michigan State hoping to rebound on offense after struggling to 7-6 season

EAST LANSING, Mich. – For all Michigan State has accomplished under Mark Dantonio, there is a step that has eluded the Spartans.

Michigan State hasn't played in the Rose Bowl since 1988, and last season brought the Spartans no closer to that goal. They went 7-6, with almost every conference game coming down to the wire.

With quarterback Andrew Maxwell struggling at times in his first season as the starter, it was left to workhorse running back Le'Veon Bell to carry the offense last season. He did, to the tune of 1,793 yards on 382 carries, but then Bell decided to leave early for the NFL draft.

The Spartans open the season at home Aug. 30 against Western Michigan.