Michigan State vs Rutgers: Report card for the Spartans

Oct 10, 2015; Piscataway, NJ, USA; Michigan State Spartans wide receiver Aaron Burbridge (16) gets around Rutgers Scarlet Knights defensive back Blessuan Austin (10) during the first quarter at High Points Solutions Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim O

Receivers: A+

Not enough good things can be said about the Michigan State wide receivers after Saturday’s game.

Let’s start with the real star of the corps, Aaron Burbridge. The senior receiver responded after two quiet games to lead all receivers with 146 yards on nine catches — his only mistake of the game was a dropped pass that would have been a touchdown in the first half. That drop led to an eventual blocked field goal. Burbridge also added a nice late first down reverse run.

Macgarrett Kings Jr. also responded from an early drop that could have gone for some big yards as he was the team’s second leading receiver with four catches for 58 yards and a touchdown.

R.J. Shelton had the play of the year on third down, catching a 29-yard pass and racking up five receptions for 55 yards.

DeAnthony Arnett — yes, he’s still alive — was as clutch as any of these guys, scoring a big touchdown in the second half. Arnett finished with two catches for 41 yards, including a 25-yard touchdowns reception in the third quarter.

Lastly, with Josiah Price out yet again, the Spartans needed some guys to step up at tight end. Paul Lang and Jamal Lyles really stepped up, combining for three catches for 57 yards.

Next: Offensive/Defensive lines