Michigan State Football: Grading the Spartans in non-conference play
Sep 19, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Connor Cook (18) call a play in the huddle during the 2nd half of a game at Spartan Stadium. MSU won 35-21. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Big Ten play is finally here for Michigan State football. After a solid non-conference schedule, the Spartans begin conference play against the Purdue Boilermakers at 4-0 and ranked No. 2 in the nation. This is unchartered territory for MSU and we are about to find out how Mark Dantonio’s team can handle all of the expectations.
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Through the first four games there were positives such as two freshman running backs emerging, Aaron Burbridge seizing the No. 1 receiver spot, and the defensive line living up to the hype, and then some.
There are also still question marks that need to be answered if Spartan Nation wants its dream to come true with an undefeated MSU team traveling into Columbus, Ohio, to take on the Ohio State Buckeyes.
The secondary, which is ranked 107th in the nation, must find itself and cannot continue to give up big plays and miss tackles. The offensive line needs to piece itself back together after a rash of injuries and someone other than Aaron Burbridge needs to consistently show up game after game in the receiving core.
Other pleasant surprises have been the linebacker unit, which had to replace fifth-year senior Ed Davis before the season even started. First year starter Jake Hartbarger has also been fantastic in replacing Mike Sadler as the Spartans’ punter.
In Big Ten play, each unit has to continue to improve for the Spartans to keep their lofty national ranking. The units playing the best need to continue to carry the team and play at a high level, while the units that are lacking need to pull their own weight and find their way.
As the saying goes, you are only as good as your weakest link. Let’s dive into each position unit and give them a grade as non-conference play has come to a close.
Next: Quarterback