EAST LANSING -- On paper, the offseason situation with Michigan State's passing game bears a strong resemblance to the one the program found itself in four years ago.
In 2012, Michigan State was faced with the prospect of replacing three of its top receivers in B.J. Cunningham, Keshawn Martin and Keith Nichol. Only 23 percent of the team's catches and 16 percent of its receiving yards were returning that season. The Spartans were also replacing a three-year starting quarterback in Kirk Cousins.
The result: a new look group didn't come together as the team hoped, as drops and other miscues from young wide receivers played a significant part in the Spartans' 7-6 season.