MSU takes a HUGE hit to graduation going into next season. They graduate 11 senior starters that were the most successful class in MSU history. That's gonna be a big drop off. Kind of like Iowa took going into this season except they don't have a viable QB. Michigan on the other hand just will get better. Think the division next season will look like this:
LEGENDS
Michigan - No question, the best in this division with great coach and talent
Nebraska - Martinez returns and good recruiting class and skill positions
Northwestern - Iowa could be here but NW looks to be improving and continue to replace QBs with better ones.
Iowa - NW could be here but Iowa takes a bigger hit with graduation of our best players, DL is atrocious next season and McNutt is gone. Poor recruiting shows again as freshmen/sophomores not ready yet
MSU - the biggest dropoff in the conference in terms of talent, going to be similar to what Iowa experienced without benefit of down conference or experienced QB
Minnesota - still have another year of rebuilding before move up
LEADERS
Ohio State - Urban Meyer + talent = instant success
Wisconsin - big hit to graduation too but benefit from mess of teams below them
Purdue - only here if Hope is still coach
Indiana - young talent got lots of experience plus benefit from mess in this division
Penn State - new coach staff, mess left for years
Illinois - Zook is gone