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

Sep 19, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive end Shilique Calhoun (89) gets up the field against the Air Force Falcons during the 1st quarter of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive Line: A+

The best unit on the team in non-conference play has been the defensive line. Malik McDowell, Lawrence Thomas, Joel Heath, Montez Sweat, Demetrius Cooper and, of course, Shilique Calhoun have been nothing short of fantastic.

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Michigan State’s D-line has bailed out the entire defense on certain occasions and these guys have raced up the sacks, tallying 15 this year and ranking seventh in the country. Calhoun has lived up to the billing as a top draft pick possibility, winning the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week award following the Central Michigan game with 2.5 sacks and six tackles.

The goal-line stops, quarterback pressure when only rushing four and dominance against the run game have been the catalyst for the defense. As well as this unit has played it will need to continue, if not get better — if that’s even possible, but the secondary has been a liability for this otherwise solid defense.

The best friend of a secondary that is still trying to find itself is a pass rush. With the secondary still attempting to gain its footing the defensive line will be relied upon to create pressure without having to send an extra blitzer and disrupt any rhythm the offense tries to get into.

Next: Linebackers