Michigan State Football: Report card against the Wolverines

Oct 17, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback Jake Rudock (15) is sacked by Michigan State Spartans linebacker Chris Frey (23) and Michigan State Spartans defensive end Shilique Calhoun (43) during the 2nd half of a game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Offensive line: B-; Defensive line: A-

Losing Jack Allen for this one had to hurt for the offensive line as he is the unquestioned leader of the group. Younger brother Brian Allen picked up the slack and Jack Conklin returned to a line that looks to be getting healthier by the week and will be scary once the elder Allen brother can return.

I am only giving this group a ‘B-,’ however, as the running room just wasn’t there. With young, unproven running backs, the holes will need to be a little more prominent to really rack up the big gainers like the Spartans had in previous games.

Michigan blitzed early and often, leaving the line scrambling to pick up the rush while still trying to create space. The Spartans won’t face dominant lines like this every week, though. Connor Cook was given a ton of time to pass the ball, which was a huge positive for the O-line.

Defensive, Shilique Calhoun proved why he’s one of the best in the country. Big-time players make big-time plays and he did just that, recording two sacks and five total tackles. On the year now, Calhoun has 29 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss and 7.0 sacks — he’s on pace to crush his previous career-highs.

Malik McDowell continues to impress as well, finishing with just three total tackles, but causing havoc and looking virtually impossible to guard with just one man. Lawrence Thomas also had a big game, recording seven tackles and a big pass deflection in the fourth quarter.

Sophomore Demetrius Cooper was a pleasant surprise, adding a half-sack, pushing his total to 3.0 on the year. Joel Heath had four tackles and a pass deflection as well.

The Spartans sacked Rudock three times and put pressure on him on countless other instances.

Next: Linebackers/Secondary