Michigan State Football: 5 overreactions from win over Western Michigan

EAST LANSING, MI - SEPTEMBER 09: Quarterback Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans runs 61 yards for a touchdown while being pursued by defensive back Sam Beal #1 of the Western Michigan Broncos during the first half at Spartan Stadium on September 9, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

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EAST LANSING, MI – SEPTEMBER 09: Defensive tackle Raequan Williams #99 of the Michigan State Spartans closes in on quarterback Jon Wassink #16 of the Western Michigan Broncos during the first half at Spartan Stadium on September 9, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Western Michigan 24-14. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

3. The defensive line is back to pre-2016 form

The defensive line is back, folks. This unit is back to its pre-2016 days, right? Not so fast. While the line dominated in the trenches against Western Michigan, it’s still only two games into the year and there are only two sacks from the entire unit.

Michigan State has five sacks as a team through two games and three of them have come from linebackers and defensive backs. While the line has caused problems for opposing offensive lines in the first two weeks, it’s far from “back” to its old form.

There’s hope, though.

Raequan Williams looked good in the Western game, recording three tackles and an impressive sack in which Jon Wassink didn’t even have time to blink before getting hit. Mike Panasiuk and Jacub Panasiuk continue to impress, Naquan Jones is exceeding expectations early on as a force in the middle and both Brandon Randle and Kenny Willekes are playing at high levels.

Don’t sleep on Dillon Alexander, Demetrius Cooper or Gerald Owens, either. The line isn’t “back” but it’s certainly on the right track.

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