what exactly? They lost their QB, their top RB, their top two WR's, and their most dominate defensive player. They  lost just as much talent as Michigan, so I really have no idea what your comment was based on. There is a chance that the defense may take a small step back depending on how the D-line performs, but MSU's offense lost quite a bit of talent and has an even greater chance of taking a step back.

Based on how UM finished last season, I don't see an issue with this ranking. Not that preseason rankings really matter at the end of the day anyways.