Michigan State Football: Grading the Spartans in non-conference play

Sep 12, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Connor Cook (18) looks over offensive line during the 1st half of a game against the Oregon Ducks at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Offensive Line: B

This grade had the potential to be an ‘A’ until the injury bug came through and took the reigns. Since the second game of the season against Oregon, the Spartans have not have had their starting and full unit available. Kodi Kieler went down in that game and in last week’s game against Central Michigan potential first round pick Jack Conklin went down as well.

Must Read: Michigan State Football: Next man up at every position

While each has a knee injury, neither is expected to miss the entire season — which is huge for the Spartans. When the starting unit was intact, it was able to dominate the line of scrimmage, giving Cook time and opening up the running game.

Now with a makeshift line in place, Dennis Finley and Miguel Michado appear to be the replacements at tackle, the line will have to gel quickly in order to keep Cook upright and move the ball in the running game.

It will be interesting to see how long Kieler and Conklin will be out and how well the replacements do in their absence. What was pegged as the best line of the Mark Dantonio era will have its depth tested the rest of the season.

Next: Running Back