Michigan State Football: 5 takeaways from Central Michigan win

Sep 26, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Central Michigan Chippewas running back Jahray Hayes (11) is tackled by Michigan State Spartans defensive end Shilique Calhoun (89) during the 2nd half of a game at Spartan Stadium. MSU won 30-10. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

2. Shilique Calhoun is a monster

Everyone knows that Shilique Calhoun is probably the second-best defensive end in the conference and one of the top in the country, and he really proved that on Saturday against a struggling Chippewas offensive line, recording 2.5 sacks, six total tackles and a blocked field goal in the first quarter.

Must Read: MSU Football: What worked/what didn’t against CMU

Calhoun had quite possibly his best game in a Spartan uniform in two years. Last year he was double-teamed often, leaving the rest of the potent pass rush to get a ton of sacks while he was left taking the brunt of the opposing offensive line’s fury.

On multiple occasions, Calhoun drew holding penalties and he might be off to the best start to any season during his collegiate career overall as a defensive end. Meaning he probably had a better start in 2013 as a defensive touchdown machine when he really burst onto the scene, but he’s become a better overall player this year.

In 2015 so far, Calhoun has 14 total tackles and 4.5 sacked along with a blocked field goal. Teams are starting to catch on as he looks like a monster this season and he’s making offensive tackles look silly.

Michigan state football succeeds when Calhoun succeeds.

Next: 1. Secondary is mediocre, at best