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

Sep 19, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans wide receiver Aaron Burbridge (16) stands on the field prior to a game against Air Force at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

2. Aaron Burbridge is the real deal

Aaron Burbridge had himself a game on Saturday as Air Force couldn’t do anything to stop the senior receiver. He finished the game with eight catches for 156 yards and three touchdowns — all career-highs.

Related: Air Force vs Michigan State: Grading the Spartans’ performance

The veteran wide out is on pace to record 80 catches for 1,494 yards and 16 touchdowns on the year — and that’s not including a Big Ten title game, a bowl game or even a potential College Football Playoff run.

Burbridge was named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week after his performance and he is showing that he can be considered the top receiver in the conference for the year as well.

This happens to be his third 100-yard game of the season thus far and he’s on his way to surpass Tony Lippett’s numbers from a year ago. The thing is, he’s faster, stronger and potentially more athletic than Lippett, but last year’s No. 1 receiver had the surest hands of anyone in the Mark Dantonio era.

How impressive has the senior been so far? Well, he’s already recorded more receiving yards in 2015 than he had in any of his three previous seasons.

Next: 1. Connor Cook is back