Michigan State spring game: 5 things we learned
By Evan Cruse
Nov 8, 2014; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans mascot sparty run onto the field prior to a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Coming into this year’s spring game, coach Mark Dantonio called for a “#Bring50” campaign, to have 50,000 fans at the event. Although he did not get his wish, he had to be pleasantly pleased with the official attendance: 48,000. A few short years ago, Michigan State could only dream about 50,000 fans at the spring game and now it’s a sign of a program on the rise. On a cool, 50-degree day, the White team defeated the Green team, 9-3.
A 9-to-3 score may sound low but in reality one should hope for a low-scoring game during the spring. It shows the defense is flexible with its players, and further ahead in its progress than the offense — two things that are important for dominant teams. It’s a lot more difficult for offensive players to play with different rotations and players, and thus spring games should be held to low scores.
The White team received its points from a Jack Allen three-yard run and a Kevin Cronin 30-yard field goal. Cronin also made a 32-yard field goal with 1:49 left in the third quarter to put the Green team on the board. The Green team had no luck moving the ball all day, and the White team stalled out on most possessions because of the relentless defensive effort.
Hopefully the offense can muster up some points this season as there seemed to be no standout player on this side of the ball. A few guys stepped up and proved they are worthy of playing time, but no one solidified a starting job at the skills positions, besides Connor Cook, obviously.
There are five things to take away from today’s game, and these story lines will unfold as the season begins and progresses.
Next: 5. DeAnthony Arnett is proving his worth