Michigan State Football: 5 keys to victory vs. Minnesota in Week 7

ANN ARBOR, MI - OCTOBER 07: Tyriq Thompson #17 of the Michigan State Spartans leads the team onto the field prior to the start of the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

4 of 5

ANN ARBOR, MI – OCTOBER 07: Madre London #28 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates after scoring with teammate Luke Campbell #62 during the second quarter of the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

2. Offensive line must open running lanes

Running the ball is MSU’s identity and it starts with this young offensive line. They have grown and have made progress. They are more talented than the 2013 team. There are several NFL-caliber players on this line.

While they are young, youth is not an excuse. Well, that is unless you live in Ann Arbor then it becomes a way to explain the debacle of losing the Paul Bunyan Trophy. But that’s an argument for another day.

The offensive line needs to get better at opening running lanes. It proved that it has the capability of doing so against Michigan when it sprung Madre London for a 50-yard carry to set up a drive in Wolverines territory. The talent is definitely there, it’s just the execution that has been lacking this season.

Michigan State doesn’t have a 100-yard rusher yet this year and that will need to change if the Spartans want to become true contenders in the Big Ten East. It all starts with the line.

Home/Spartans Football