Air Force vs Michigan State: 5 players to watch

Jan 1, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Michigan State Spartans wide receiver Aaron Burbridge (16) during the game against the Baylor Bears in the 2015 Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Aaron Burbridge has done a fantastic job of replacing star receiver Tony Lippett who really broke out onto the scene a year ago. It’s tough to replace 1,198 yards and 11 touchdowns on 65 receptions, but Burbridge is currently on pace to shatter that mark.

Related: Air Force vs Michigan State: 5 players who need to step up

Currently, the senior receiver is on pace to finish the season with 1,417 yards and seven touchdowns on 78 receptions. That would be an incredible comeback season for a player who has been looking to make a mark on the receiving game over the past three years.

The story is a familiar one. Burbridge really surprised some folks with his early production, having his best season as a freshman before falling back into the shadows for his sophomore and junior seasons.

Now, he’s the leader of the receiving corps and he already has 12 catches for 218 yards and a touchdown through two games, becoming Connor Cook’s No. 1 target.

Many were hoping for this type of output from the senior wide out, but who knew it would happen so quickly?

Really keep an eye on Burbridge in this one as he could break out for his third straight 100-yard performance and really separate himself from the rest of the corps.

Next: 2. Jacobi Owens