Michigan State Football: Report card against the Wolverines

Oct 17, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans wide receiver Aaron Burbridge (16) is defended by Michigan Wolverines defensive end Chris Wormley (43) during the 1st quarter of a game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Wide receivers: A-

For the second consecutive week, the receiving corps were a group of all-stars. Besides a couple of late drops that led to an ‘A-‘ ranking instead of a clear ‘A,’ the Spartans were virtually un-guardable by the Michigan secondary.

The matchup between Aaron Burbridge and Jourdan Lewis was expected to be one of the best storylines of the game, and the senior receiver won the battle. Lewis had been called “the best cornerback in the country” before the game, and Burbridge was up to the challenge.

Oct 17, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans wide receiver Macgarrett Kings Jr. (85) celebrates touchdown in the third quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Cook picked on Lewis a bit, hitting Burbridge nine times for 132 yards as the senior wide out looked like he could catch anything. That’s becoming less of a surprise week in and week out as Burbridge is quite possibly the best receiver in the Big Ten.

R.J. Shelton also had a nice game, including a beautiful toe-tapping sideline catch that was so unbelievable that the refs originally called it incomplete. He made a perfect catch, got his feet in and gave MSU great field position when it needed it most. He finished with four catches for 58 yards.

Macgarrett Kings Jr. was the one who had the two big drops that nearly cost the Spartans a win, but luck was on MSU’s side in the end. He finished the day with a big touchdown catch in the second half and three total receptions for 57 yards.

The play of the game, besides the obvious game-winner, was made by fullback Trevon Pendleton. He technically belongs in the running backs section, but we are going to treat him more like a tight end for his ‘trick’ play.

Cook executed a flawless fake reverse and found a wide open Pendleton right after the Wolverines had just scored to make it 23-14. Pendleton rumbled down the field for 74 yards and was called down at the one — even though it looked like he scored. MSU punched it in a play later on an L.J. Scott run.

Great play by this group of pass-catchers on Saturday as they continue to improve.

Next: Offensive/Defensive line