Michigan State Football: What worked and what didn’t against Purdue

Oct 3, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans tight end Jamal Lyles (11) has the ball knocked away by Purdue Boilermakers linebacker Andy James Garcia (42) during the 2nd half of a game at Spartan Stadium. MSU won 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Tight Ends

The face of the MSU tight end unit is Josiah Price. Price sat out against Purdue, though the announcers said he was available in an emergency. Look for Josiah Price to come back soon and MSU’s touchdown production could use him. Is it a coincidence that the run game was at its best without Price? That’s a question to be answered as Price returns to the lineup.

What went well: Replacing Price in the run game

Jamal Lyles and Paul Lang definitely did their part in springing the run game. There were times when MSU had three tight ends in the game in an attempt to impose their will against Purdue’s defense. Whether it was kick out blocks or sealing the edge, the tight ends looked better in the run game than when Josiah Price is out there. Maybe it was Purdue’s defense, but it also might explain why Lyles and Lang have been listed as co-starters with Josiah Price the last few weeks.

What didn’t: Replacing Price in the red zone

Lyles had a chance to show that he could be a full replacement for Price when Cook looked for him on a key third down play in the end zone. But Lyles was not able to make the play and the game stayed uncomfortably close until the end.

Granted, it was a very nice play by the Purdue linebacker to knock the potential touchdown out of Lyles hands, but I truly believe Price would have made that catch. Experienced receivers know to expect that swipe and how to protect against. Lyles will know better next time and will likely grow from the experience. Nonetheless, Price was missed in the red zone.

Next: Offensive Line