Air Force vs Michigan State: What worked and what didn’t for the Spartans

Sep 19, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans receiver Aaron Burbridge (16) catches a touchdown pass against the Air Force Falcons during the 1st quarter of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Wide Receivers

It was a career game for a Michigan State receiver — with all-time highs in receptions and yards — for R.J. Shelton. Shelton picked a bad day to go for career-highs in receptions and yards, as Aaron Burbridge decided to go next level. Here’s how former Spartan wide receiver star Bennie Fowler put it on Twitter:

What went well: R.J. Shelton

Well, he did do well. But really, no one besides Aaron Burbridge could take up this space. Burbridge is only the second MSU player to go for 150+ yards receicing and three TDs in the last 20 years — along with Plaxico Burress. Not only was Burbridge productive, but he was electric.

What didn’t: Macgarret Kings injury

MSU has been very fortunate with regard to injuries the past two seasons. The pendulum seems to have swung the other way as MSU has been hit with several injuries to start the season. With Ed Davis and now Vayante Copeland lost for the year, and Kodi Kieler and Drake Martinez out for several weeks, the injury to Macgarret Kings has not been noticed by many.

Must Read: MSU Football: 5 position battles to watch this fall

However, Kings went out for the second straight week with what appeared to be a head injury. Kings was kept on the sideline the rest of the game and head injuries two weeks in a row does not bode well for his health, nor MSU’s receiver depth.

Keeping Kings out of the game might have been precautionary but losing Kings for a significant amount of time could really hurt the Spartans pass production. A second credible threat is important so teams can’t overload on Burbridge.

Next: Offensive line