Air Force vs Michigan State: 5 takeaways from Spartans’ win

Sep 12, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans offensive tackle Jack Conklin (74) celebrates the win over the Oregon Ducks after a game at Spartan Stadium. MSU won 31-28. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

4. Offensive line was suspect

You can look at the passing numbers from Connor Cook and just assume that the offensive line had a solid day if he was able to get 23 passes off for over 240 yards and four scores, but that wasn’t the case.

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Michigan State’s offensive line is widely regarded as one of the best, if not the best, units in the entire nation. Led by Jack Conklin, Jack Allen and Brian Allen, this group has a chance to become one of the top groups in Mark Dantonio’s tenure.

On Saturday, though, it seemed like the offensive line didn’t want to block anyone. It allowed its first three sacks of the season on Connor Cook, couldn’t open up any running lanes for the two talented backs and were pushed back more often than not by a smaller Air Force front-four — although the Falcons did blitz a lot.

It could have something to do with Kodi Kieler’s injury and the tough transition for Benny McGowan and Miguel Machado, but that shouldn’t mean that the inferior defense gets that big of a push on the best O-line in the nation.

Really unimpressive showing for these guys and they didn’t seem to be that into the game. Maybe that’s just my harsh criticism.

Next: 3. Run game has a long way to go