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Central Michigan vs Michigan State: 5 Spartans who will be X-factors

By Connor Muldowney

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Sep 12, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Connor Cook (18) makes a pass during the fourth quarter against the Oregon Ducks at Spartan Stadium. The Spartans beat the Ducks 31-28. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

I shouldn’t even have to put the offensive line on a list like this, it should just be a given. However, due to the way this group played against Air Force, and in some parts against Oregon, these big guys need a wake-up call.

Must Read: Central Michigan vs Michigan State: Preview and predictions

Kodi Kieler went down with an injury against Oregon, but Miguel Machado and Benny McGowan stepped up to both fill in, when called upon. They both did a solid job of shifting from guard to tackle, and vice versa, when they were asked to, but last week against Air Force was a different story.

You can’t blame the struggles of an entire unit on two guys, but playing with a different man next to you for the first time all year has to be somewhat stressful for guys like Jack Conklin, Jack Allen, Brian Allen and Donavon Clark.

This whole group needs to step up against Central Michigan this week and not allow three sacks to an inferior opponent again. Central has only recorded five sacks all year long, one of the worst marks in the country, so the grunts up front should have no issue.

The real issue may be in the run game as Michigan State couldn’t open up any holes against Air Force for the running backs last week. That needs to change so this team can average more than 1.8 yards per touch again.

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