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Michigan State Football: Predicting depth chart following spring game

By Connor Muldowney

Nov 14, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans linebacker Riley Bullough (30) runs off the field during the 2nd half of a game against the Maryland Terrapins at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans linebacker Riley Bullough (30) runs off the field during the 2nd half of a game against the Maryland Terrapins at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 12, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Benny McGowan (75) celebrates a win over Oregon Ducks after a game at Spartan Stadium. MSU won 31-28. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Benny McGowan (75) celebrates a win over Oregon Ducks after a game at Spartan Stadium. MSU won 31-28. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /

Left Guard

Projected Starter: Benny McGowan, Senior

Benny McGowan was listed on the spring depth chart as the starter at left guard, and I can’t say I disagree with that. The fifth-year senior from Centerville, Ohio, played extensively in 2015 thanks to a slew of injuries to the starting unit. McGowan looked comfortable while he was in there and played in 14 games, starting eight of them. He wasn’t limited to just left guard, though, he started four games on the right side as well. This is good experience to bring back.

Backup: Tyler Higby, Freshman (RS)

I’ve been high on Tyler Higby ever since he gave his verbal pledge to Michigan State a couple of years ago. The big offensive lineman was a tackle at the high school level and he was thought to translate well into an offensive guard at the next level. Dantonio mentioned him as a guy who impressed him before the 2015 season, but now that he has a full year of grasping the system under his belt, you could see him starting a few games this year — or at least rotating.

Reserve: Brian Allen, Junior

The assumed starting center was listed on the spring depth chart as the backup to McGowan at left guard, but that’s just in case injuries happen and he needs to move over. I expect Higby to be the primary replacement and the former freshman All-American Allen to take over in extreme circumstances.

Next: Center

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