Michigan State Football: 5 takeaways from win over Michigan
Oct 17, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Connor Cook (18) prepares to take the snap of the ball from Michigan State Spartans offensive lineman Brian Allen (65) during the 2nd half of a game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Saturday’s Michigan State football win over Michigan had to be the most exciting and memorable play in series history — easily. While Jeff Smoker’s last-second pass to TJ Duckett to win with no time left on the clock in 2001 at Spartan Stadium was close, no finish was as unpredictable as this one.
This was the exact scenario in which you were probably sitting next to some friends and made the remark of “wouldn’t it be crazy if Michigan State blocked the punt and returned it for a touchdown to win?” That would be followed by your friends looking at you with a “keep dreaming” look, only to have nearly the same exact situation play out.
However, a win’s a win and as our very own Thomas Nikundiwe would say, “Don’t apologize for the victory, it was earned.”
Let’s take a look at five things we learned from Michigan State’s miraculous victory over Michigan.
5. Shilique Calhoun rises to the occasion
Oct 17, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans linebacker Ed Davis (43) celebrates his sack in the first half against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
While we often think of Connor Cook as a guy who rises to the occasion, Shilique Calhoun is his equal on the defensive side of the ball who really doesn’t get enough love. The senior defensive end from New Jersey has had one of the best careers of any current Spartan.
Calhoun’s rise to greatness wasn’t easy. He was a lightly-recruited three-star defensive end from Middletown, N.J., and has since seen his stock soar. He’s considered a first-round talent, and he’s putting together his best season as a collegiate defensive lineman.
On the year, Calhoun has recorded 29 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss and 7.0 sacks. His growth from a backup in 2012 to a budding star in 2013 and then a workhorse these past two years with superstar potential has been a sight to see.
When the Spartans have a big game, he’s usually the guy to step up.
Donning his injured fellow teammate’s — Ed Davis — No. 43 on Saturday night, Calhoun rose to the occasion, recording two big sacks and five total tackles while putting pressure on opposing quarterback Jake Rudock more often than now.
The 2016 NFL Draft should see Calhoun’s name called very early if he keeps playing the way he is on the national stage.
Next: 4. Run game needs work