Michigan State Football: 5 takeaways from win over Michigan

Oct 17, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans wide receiver Aaron Burbridge (16) makes a catch against Michigan Wolverines cornerback Jourdan Lewis (26) during the 2nd half of a game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

3. Aaron Burbridge is the real deal

This seems to be the conclusion we come to every week after watching Aaron Burbridge play. However, this week was different since it was the senior receiver’s toughest test of the season in which he would have to face a defensive back in Jourdan Lewis who was dubbed “the best corner in the nation” prior to the game.

Well, it’s safe to say Burbridge won the war after winning most of the individual battles all game long. He finished with nine catches for 132 yards, marking his fifth 100-yard game of the year and the third time he’s broken the 130-yard mark as well.

Connor Cook loves to throw those 50-50 balls in which he lobs it up to his receiver, trusting that a player in green and white will come down with it. Luckily for Cook, Burbridge loves those throws, too, as he often does end up with the ball in his hands.

There were a couple of instances in the game, however, where Burbridge had the cornerback burned on a deep route, only to be overthrown or under-thrown due to the immense pressure from blitzes on Cook. If a couple of those passes were completed, this could have been a completely different game and we might be talking about a 200-yard receiving game for Burbridge.

Next: 2. Secondary is depleted