Michigan State Football: What worked and didn’t against Nebraska

Nov 7, 2015; Lincoln, NE, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Tommy Armstrong Jr. (4) carries the ball past Michigan State Spartans defensive end Demetrius Cooper (98) at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive Line

It’s been true all year long: in order to protect the poor secondary and inexperienced linebackers, the defensive line has to be dominant. It was anything but dominant against Nebraska. Tommy Armstrong Jr. came into the game with an injured toe and yet the D-line was not able to touch him. When they did get pressure, he easily escaped.

Michigan State could get away with this kind of performance from its defensive line when it had Darqueze Dennard and Trae Waynes protecting them on he back end, but the roles are reversed and the D-line didn’t pass the test. MSU’s defense gave up a whopping 499 yards and it all starts up front.

What worked: Craig Evans 

Fifth-year senior Joel Heath went out with an injury and redshirt freshman Craig Evans came in and played really well in his place. He was dispruptive in the backfield and ended up with 4 tackles including 1.5 tackles for loss. Malik McDowell and Craig Evans should make quite a formidable interior defensive line next year.

What didn’t: No sacks

Just like a first down would have ended the game, a sack on Nebraska’s last drive would have effectively ended the game, as well. Shilique Calhoun apparently forgot his contain techniques because Armstrong Jr. easily escaped his rush when Calhoun managed to beat his blocker. Demetrius Cooper was able to create the pressure on one of Armstrong’s interceptions, but that was far and few between.

Next: Linebackers