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

Oct 3, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans offensive lineman Brian Allen (65) points out coverage before the snap of the ball during the 2nd half of a game at Spartan Stadium. MSU won 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Offensive Line

The depth of the MSU offensive line, particularly at tackle, is being seriously tested. Dennis Finley suffered a truly horrific injury — breaking his leg in two different places. The unit that was once a strength of the team is a shell of its former self.

Beyond the missing bodies, an offensive line gets to be effective through playing together and finding a synchronicity and rhythm with each other. MSU is playing with less talented and inexperienced players, but also with players who aren’t used to moving together as a unit. That missing continuity is almost as important as the talent lost.

What went well: Improvisation

At times it looked like MSU was playing Three-Card Monte with its offensive line. Now the center is at left tackle, the left guard is at center, the right tackle is at left tackle. Despite all that shuffling, Cook came out of the game clean once again and the running game looked the best it has all season. Not only was the line jumbled up, but new players came in and held their own including senior Brandon Clemons and redshirt freshman David Beedle.

What didn’t: Losing another offensive tackle

First of all, what a terrible deal for a young player who looked like he was taking advantage of his opportunity to get some run. We just hope that Dennis Finley can have a full recovery and productive career moving forward. As for MSU, I would be surprised to see Conklin or Kieler in there against Rutgers next week. Kieler is still on crutches and so he might not make it back for the Michigan game in two weeks.

Starting center Jack Allen played left tackle in the second half of the Purdue game. Donavon Clark played left tackle immediately after the injury to Finley with Miguel Machado coming in at right tackle. Machado played very poorly and Clark moved back to right tackle with Allen at left.

It’s not clear what State will do moving forward if Conklin continues to sit. If I had to guess it would be to put Machado at right tackle, Benny McGowan at right guard, Jack Allen at center, Brian Allen at left guard and Donavon Clark at left tackle. Maybe a week of prep will help Machado get ready.

Next: Defensive Line