Michigan State Football: What worked/didn’t work against Rutgers

Oct 10, 2015; Piscataway, NJ, USA; Second quarter action between Rutgers Scarlet Knights and Michigan State Spartans at High Points Solutions Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim O

Offensive Line

The constant shuffling of the offensive line seems to be catching up with the unit as it looked more confused than it has all season. And this not only impacts games, but practices, as well.  The offensive line needs to build cohesion and the game against Rutgers showed their lack of such continuity.

Throughout the season, Cook has been kept clean, but in this game, he took a beating. It gives a little more perspective into why the coaching staff only threw the ball seven times in the second half against Purdue the previous week.

What went well: Run-blocking on final drive

One of the criticisms of the offensive line has been its inability to impose their will at the end of games with a dominant run game. On their game-winning drive, MSU ran 10 plays and eight of those plays were runs.

It looked MSU might need to settle for a field goal try as it was clear they were committed to the run. This game, however, the offensive line was able to create the push and set the edge to get the ball carriers — almost exclusively LJ Scott — enough room to keep getting first downs and the game-winning touchdown.

What didn’t: Adjusting to Rutgers blitz

Rutgers was able to disguise its blitzing in such a way that MSU’s offensive line looked confused all game. One of the points of a blitz is to create a scenario in which there are more blitzers than there are blockers. However, the line wasn’t even picking up the guys it was supposed to. At one point, Jack Allen shifted out to left tackle to try to stem the tide, but he was moved back to center for the rest of the game.

The Spartans face Michigan next and the Wolverines’ defensive line is by far the toughest they have faced to date. MSU really has to have a great week of practice with the guys who will play to be ready for that defensive line. It seems unlikely that they will as Jack Allen be trying to heal from a badly sprained ankle. Kieler may also need healing time as he was hobbling throughout the game.

Next: Defensive Line