Michigan State Football: 5 players who must step up Week 6 vs. Michigan

Michigan State Football: 5 players who need to step up vs. Michigan in Week 6

ANN ARBOR, MI - OCTOBER 17: Wide receiver Brandon Sowards #15 and running back LJ Scott #3 of the Michigan State Spartans take the field before the college football game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on October 17, 2015 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

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EAST LANSING, MI – SEPTEMBER 23: Former Michigan State Spartans Kirk Gibson was the honorary captain during the game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Spartan Stadium on September 23, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

Brian Allen C

Michigan State Spartans /

Scouting Report

As Michigan State’s most experienced and talented offensive lineman, Brian Allen needs to step up every week. Considering who he is matching up against this week, his performance will be even more significant than usual. Michigan has spent most of its time in the 3-3-5 this season, meaning star defensive tackle Maurice Hurst is likely to be facing off with Allen quite a bit Saturday night.

Michigan State has struggled to run the ball recently and Hurst’s group is not exactly forgiving, ranking first nationally in run defense. Allen needs to be able to handle Hurst on his own for the majority of the night if the Spartans hope to have any shot at running the ball against the Wolverines.

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