Their toughest opponent was Pittsburgh, and they’ve been here before, only to collapse for the remainder of the season.

So here’s how the Spartans look heading into their Big Ten conference schedule.

Quarterback

If nothing else, junior Brian Hoyer has shown his ability to bounce back from adversity. After he fumbled the ball on MSU’s first possession against Notre Dame, I’m pretty sure everyone was having flashbacks of last year’s team. But he came back to throw a career-high four touchdown passes.

Hoyer has struggled a little bit with his control, and probably should have made some throws that he missed, but he seems to be getting better week in and week out.

Grade: B

Running backs

The tandem of junior Javon Ringer and senior Jehuu Caulcrick have shown their ability to take control of the game.

When MSU wants to hold on to the lead, they’ve found success by gluing the ball in their hands.

Caulcrick’s six touchdowns tie him for fifth in the Big Ten in scoring. I still expect more from Ringer. He needs to break out to the next level to become that top-tier back he’s got the potential to be.

Grade: A-

Wide receivers

Junior Devin Thomas ranks third in the Big Ten in receiving yards per game and second in all-purpose yards.

He has been consistent, and when the Spartans need a big play, he’s been one of their biggest assets.

Freshman Mark Dell is taking a little longer than expected to make an impact, but catching his first touchdown pass should give him a confidence boost. With tougher competition coming, Dell will need to break out of his shell in order to draw attention away from Thomas.

Grade: B

Offensive line

With junior Roland Martin and senior Kenny Shane sitting out injured, the Spartans must be thrilled to return senior Mike Gyetvai to the lineup.

Junior Mike Bacon has done a decent job filling in, but Hoyer will need more protection up front when he faces the bigger defensive linemen of the Big Ten. The Spartans have allowed the eighth most sacks in the conference, but don’t credit that all to the line.

Grade: C+

Defensive line

Heading into the season, they were the biggest question.

Now, they’re the answer. Senior Ervin Baldwin said it best at the Spartans media day in August.

“After a while we’re going to be the strength,” Baldwin said. “I’m going to make sure of that.”

I’m going to start having Baldwin do my predictions for Prognosticators.

The defensive line has been a pass rushing machine, with senior Jonal Saint-Dic at the helm. He leads the Big Ten in both sacks and forced fumbles.

Grade: A

Linebackers

Big. Nasty. Hits.

The linebackers have been dishing them out so far this season. Freshmen Eric Gordon and Greg Jones have stepped up for the unit, respectively ranking third and fourth for most tackles on the team. Tackling has been pretty solid, but a couple key misses led to some large gains from opposing running backs.

Grade: B

Secondary

Like the offensive line, the MSU secondary also has been riddled with injuries. But the Spartans have shown their depth and rank third in the Big Ten in pass defense. The unit’s five interceptions has tied the team for second most in the conference.

Grade: B+

Special teams

Sophomore Brett Swenson has made 4-of-7 attempts, and that has gone largely unnoticed because the Spartans have been winning.

But the conference schedule is here, and games are going to be closer.

Three points could be the difference between winning or losing. The Spartans rank fifth in the Big Ten in punting, with freshman Aaron Bates averaging 37.5 net yards per punt.

Grade: B-