Michigan State DL Malik McDowell caps freshman season with start, reveals high expectations

ARLINGTON, Texas — Amid all the celebrating in the Michigan State locker room at AT&T Stadium on New Year’s Day, defensive tackle Malik McDowell was asked if he ever would have expected such an incredible season his first year in the program.

“Yep, I had high hopes coming in,” said McDowell, an All-Big Ten freshman pick who made his first career start in the Spartans’ 42-41 Cotton Bowl comeback win Thursday. “Actually, I was hoping for a Rose Bowl and national championship, but this is a good way to end the season.” - Read more at MLive.com