Michigan State Football: 5 takeaways from win over Penn State

Nov 28, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans offensive tackle Jack Conklin (74) and wide receiver Aaron Burbridge (16) and running back Gerald Holmes (24) celebrate a touchdown during the second half of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

This year’s Michigan State football team might be one of the most unpredictable since Mark Dantonio took over as head coach in 2007. The Spartans have finished the regular season with an 11-1 record and are setting up to face off against No. 4 Iowa in the Big Ten Championship game after a 55-16 win over Penn State on Saturday.

Taking care of business against the Nittany Lions had many Spartan fans’ minds at ease since the game was not looked at as an ‘easy win’ by any means. The win over Penn State had to be earned, and the Spartans came out on top.

After weeks of playing close games — with a couple of exceptions — the Spartans finally put together a contest in which the end result was not in doubt after the first half of play.

Michigan State is now heading to its third Big Ten title game since 2011 and the Spartans have been to the conference championship more than anyone else since its inauguration.

Let’s take a look at five things we learned about this team from the win over Penn State.

5. Offensive line is dominating

Nov 28, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Mark Dantonio leads his team onto the field prior to a game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

There was one mission for the Michigan State offensive line on Saturday night: keep Connor Cook off his back. The senior quarterback was starting the first game since his shoulder injury two weeks ago and even the slightest hit from a defender could have set him back.

Not only did the offensive line do a great job of protecting him on all of his 26 throws, but it also opened up some solid running lanes for guys like Gerald Holmes, LJ Scott and Madre London as they all had solid games — although London had just one carry, it was the longest rush of the day.

The big guys up front allowed zero sacks against one of the toughest pass rushes in the country and opened up the run game for 188 yards on the ground. Not often do you see a team take it to Penn State like the Spartans did.

When the Michigan State offensive line is comfortable and gelling together, it’s one of the scariest groups in the country. These guys are finally living up to their preseason billing.

Next: 4. Secondary still not completely improved