Michigan State Spartans

RB LE'VEON BELL JUNIOR

Bell had 1,553 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns on 289 carries while splitting time with Edwin Baker in 2010 and '11. Now the featured back, Bell could emerge as a dark-horse Heisman contender. He'll also need to be a leader on offense with Kirk Cousins gone.

TE DION SIMS JUNIOR

Injuries have held down Sims's numbers—23 catches for 232 yards and six TDs in 27 games. Mark Dantonio expects the 6' 5" 280-pounder, now healthy and a starter, to be "tremendous."

LB DENICOS ALLEN JUNIOR

The edge rusher spearheads a loaded corps that should keep Michigan State's defense among the elite. Allen was second in the Big Ten last year with 11 sacks, an unusually high total for a linebacker, and he will be a threat again in Pat Narduzzi's blitz-heavy scheme.

BREAKOUT PLAYER