Michigan State Football: 5 keys to victory vs. Iowa in Week 5

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EAST LANSING, MI – OCTOBER 29: Michigan State Spartans head football coach Mark Dantonio watches the action during the first quarter of the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Spartan Stadium on October 29, 2016 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

3. Play-calling must improve

I love the motto ‘pound green pound’ but the Spartans recently, as in the last three seasons, have not looked as good out of the pro sets. I love their pro set offense, however, they have not had the lineup (in my opinion) to pull it off. It could be the injuries or attrition.

True, they won the Big Ten Championship and LJ Scott was a huge part of that on the fabled “The Drive” to end the game. Also Scott almost gained a 1,000 yards last season.

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The Spartans struggled in 2015 to find a running back, which contributed to the problems out of the pro set. Also, they lost some solid linemen to graduation and suffered many injuries. Often they would find themselves in third-and-long and then get bailed out by Connor Cook.

In 2016, injuries and attrition contributed to more problems. However in 2017, MSU has had a better or more efficient running game with the RPO (run/pass option). It keeps the defense from just reading simple keys like watch what direction is the guard pulling to now MSU’s quarterback reads what the defense does and responds.It’s the reason Lewerke is leading this team in rushing.

Michigan State does not have the experience to lineup and go power off the right side at this point. It might as this young talented offensive line gains experience later on in the season. But right now, the defense will know what is coming.

Therefore, it would behoove the Spartans to use the RPO more against Iowa considering they have a quarterback who can burn the Hawkeyes.

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