Highlights from the 2018 Spartans football season

Michigan State's Felton Davis III, left, catches a touchdown as Utah State's Gaje Ferguson defends during the second quarter on Friday, Aug. 31, 2018, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.

Michigan State's LJ Scott leaps over Utah State's Ja'Marcus Ingram on a run during the fourth quarter on Friday, Aug. 31, 2018, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.

Michigan State's Felton Davis III celebrates after scoring on a two-point conversion during the fourth quarter on Friday, Aug. 31, 2018, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.

Michigan State's Kenny Willekes, left, tackles Utah State's Jordan Love during the fourth quarter on Friday, Aug. 31, 2018, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.

Michigan State's head coach Mark Dantonio sits alone in the stands before the Spartans' game against Utah State on Friday, Aug. 31, 2018, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.

(R-L) Khari Willis #27, Brian Lewerke #14, Joe Bachie #35, David Dowell #6 and basketball head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans walk out to midfield for the coin toss to the college football game against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Tempe, Arizona.

Michigan State Spartans quarterback Brian Lewerke (14) drops back against the Arizona State Sun Devils in the first half at Sun Devil Stadium.

Michigan State Spartans defensive tackle Raequan Williams (99) celebrates a fourth down stop against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium.

Michigan State quarterback Brian Lewerke (14) gets off a pass as he is pressured by Arizona State linebacker Darien Butler (37) as Michigan State running back Connor Heyward (11) tries to make a block during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Michigan State Spartans safety Matt Morrissey (10) celebrates a second quarter interception with safety Xavier Henderson (3) and linebacker Jon Reschke (28) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Michigan State wide receiver Darrell Stewart Jr. (25) gets tackled by Arizona State defensive back Chase Lucas (24) and linebacker Khaylan Kearse-Thomas (20) during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, in Tempe, Ariz. Arizona State defeated Michigan State 16-13.

The Michigan State Spartans mascot Sparty flexes during the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Bloomington, Indiana.

Michigan State Spartans wide receiver C.J. Hayes (4) jumps into the arms of quarterback Brian Lewerke (14) with tight end Chase Gianacakos (94) in celebration during the second half of the game against Indiana at Memorial Stadium. The Michigan State Spartans defeated the Indiana Hoosiers 35 to 21.

Cody White #7 of the Michigan State Spartans catches a pass during the first quarter of action against the Indiana Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Bloomington, Indiana.

Michigan State wide receiver Jalen Nailor dives in for a touchdown against Indiana's Andre Brown Jr. during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018, in Bloomington, Ind.

Michigan State wide receiver Felton Davis III (18) makes a catch against Indiana's Andre Brown Jr. during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018, in Bloomington, Ind.

Michigan State tight end Matt Dotson (89) makes a touchdown catch against Indiana's A'Shon Riggins during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018, in Bloomington, Ind.

Indiana quarterback Peyton Ramsey throws an interception for a touchdown as he is hit by Michigan State's Kenny Willekes during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018, in Bloomington, Ind.

Head coach Mark Dantonio and the Michigan State Spartans prepare to take the field before their game against Central Michigan on Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.

Michigan State quarterback Brian Lewerke is expected to be one of 48 letter winners expected to return for the 2019 season. The Spartans' first home game is 7 p.m. Aug. 30 against Tulsa.

Michigan State's Central Michigan's during the second quarter on Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.

Michigan State's marching band performs during the fourth quarter on Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.

Michigan State's Central Michigan's during the fourth quarter on Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.

MSU's Felton Davis III gains yardage against Northwestern's Monte Hartage, Sat., Oct 6, 2018.

MSU QB Brian Lewerke tries to get past Chris Bergin on a keeper, Sat., Oct. 6, 2018. MSU lost 29-19.

MSU's Felton Davis gets tackled by Northwestern's Monte Hartage, Sat., Oct. 6, 2018.

Head coach Mark Dantonio of the Michigan State Spartans looks on against the Penn State Nittany Lions on October 13, 2018 at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania.

Felton Davis III #18 of the Michigan State Spartans catches a 25 yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter against Amani Oruwariye #21 of the Penn State Nittany Lions on October 13, 2018 at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania.

Felton Davis III #18 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates with Connor Heyward #11 of the Michigan State Spartans after catching a 25 yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions on October 13, 2018 at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania.

Michigan State Spartans wide receiver Felton Davis III (18) reacts after catching the winning touchdown pass against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the fourth quarter at Beaver Stadium.

Michigan State Spartans players celebrate following a game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium.

Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio and the Spartans football team walk to Spartan Stadium before the game against Michigan on Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018, in East Lansing.

Michigan State's Andrew Dowell, left, breaks up a pass intended for Michigan's Grant Perry during the first quarter on Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018, in East Lansing.

Michigan State's Kenny Willekes celebrates after the Spartans stop Michigan's offense on third down during the first quarter on Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018, in East Lansing.

Michigan State's LJ Scott, right, hugs former Spartans linebacker Chris Frey while walking back to the locker room after the weather delay announcement in the first quarter on Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018, in East Lansing.

Storm clouds move in over Spartan Stadium after fans were told over the loud speaker to evacuate during an extreme weather delay in the first quarter of MSU vs. U-M game on Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018, in East Lansing.

Michigan State's Kenny Willekes, right, tackles an airborne Michigan's Ronnie Bell during the second quarter on Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018, in East Lansing.

Michigan State's Xavier Henderson, right, breaks up a pass intended for Michigan's Donovan Peoples-Jones during the second quarter on Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018, in East Lansing.

From left, Michigan State's Raequan Williams, Mike Panasiuk and Michael Dowell walk out of the locker room on their way to the field before the Spartans game against Purdue on Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, in East Lansing.

Michigan State's Rocky Lombardi throws a pass during the second quarter on Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.

Michigan State's Raequan Williams, a Chicago native, is considered one of the top defensive tackles in the nation.

Michigan State's Tre Person, right, breaks up a pass intended for Purdue's Isaac Zico during the first quarter on Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.

Michigan State's Jalen Nailor, left, runs for a touchdown as Rocky Lombardi, right, positions himself to help block during the fourth quarter on Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.

Michigan State's Rocky Lombardi, left, celebrates with teammate Luke Campbell after Jalen Nailor's touchdown during the fourth quarter on Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.

Michigan State celebrates after beating Purdue 23-13 after the game on Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.

Michigan State's quarterback Rocky Lombardi smiles as he enters the tunnel after the Spartans 23-13 win over Purdue on Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.

Michigan State Spartans running back Connor Heyward (11) runs past Maryland Terrapins defensive back Antoine Brooks Jr. (25) for a first down during the first quarter at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium.

Connor Heyward #11 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates with Tyler Higby #70 and Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans after scoring a touchdown against the Maryland Terrapins during the first half at Capital One Field on November 3, 2018 in College Park, Maryland.

Dontay Demus #7 of the Maryland Terrapins is tackled by Raequan Williams #99 and Xavier Henderson #3 of the Michigan State Spartans during the first half at Capital One Field on November 3, 2018 in College Park, Maryland.

Cody White #7 of the Michigan State Spartans catches a pass against RaVon Davis #2 of the Maryland Terrapins during the first half at Capital One Field on November 3, 2018 in College Park, Maryland.

Michigan State Spartans linebacker Joe Bachie (35) hits Maryland Terrapins running back Anthony McFarland (5) behind the line of scrimmage causing a fumble during the first quarter at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium.

Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio, center, enters Spartan Stadium with the team before the football game against Ohio State on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, in East Lansing.

Michigan State's Andrew Dowell, left, tackles Ohio State's Mike Weber Jr. during the fourth quarter on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, in East Lansing.

Michigan State's Kenny Willekes celebrates after a sack during the second quarter on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, in East Lansing.

A ref breaks up a tussle between Michigan State's Darrell Stewart Jr., left, and Ohio State's Damon Arnette Jr. during the first quarter on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, in East Lansing.

Michigan State's Kenny Willekes, right, tackles Ohio State's Mike Weber Jr. during the first quarter on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, in East Lansing.

Michigan State's David Dowell, right, breaks up a pass intended for Ohio State's Terry McLaurin during the fourth quarter on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, in East Lansing.

Michigan State's Kenny Willekes, left, tackles Ohio State's Tate Martell who loses the ball during the fourth quarter on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, in East Lansing.

Nov 17, 2018; Lincoln, NE, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) fumbles the ball against Michigan State Spartans safety David Dowell (6) in the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports

Nov 17, 2018; Lincoln, NE, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Rocky Lombardi (12) hands off to running back Connor Heyward (11) during the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports

Michigan State senior wideout Felton Davis with head coach Mark Dantonio, as Davis is recognized during a ceremony before the game against Rutgers, Nov. 24, 2018, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.

Michigan State's Joe Bachie, left, tackles Rutgers Isaih Pacheco during the first quarter on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.

Michigan State's Darrell Stewart Jr. catches a pass during the second quarter on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.

Michigan State's Connor Heyward, left, stiff arms Rutgers Damon Hayes on a run late in the fourth quarter on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.

Michigan State's Cody White celebrates in the end zone after his touchdown run against Rutgers during the fourth quarter on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2018, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.