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Michigan State Football: 5 Spartans who need to step up vs. Northwestern in Week 9

By Stephen Robb

EAST LANSING, MI - OCTOBER 21: Wide receiver Cody White #7 of the Michigan State Spartans makes a 16-yard reception for a first down during a drive for the Spartans first touchdown against the Indiana Hoosiers during the fourth quarter at Spartan Stadium on October 21, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - OCTOBER 21: Wide receiver Cody White #7 of the Michigan State Spartans makes a 16-yard reception for a first down during a drive for the Spartans first touchdown against the Indiana Hoosiers during the fourth quarter at Spartan Stadium on October 21, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /
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ANN ARBOR, MI – OCTOBER 07: Michigan State Spartans head football coach Mark Dantonio 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)
ANN ARBOR, MI – OCTOBER 07: Michigan State Spartans head football coach Mark Dantonio 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) /

No, this isn’t a player, but Mark Dantonio has meant so much to this program. He has brought it from the depths to new heights. He told offensive coordinator Dave Warner on the first touchdown drive against Indiana to open it up.

Must Read: MSU Football: Preview, prediction and more vs. Northwestern

This offense is Dantonio’s not Warner’s. Dantonio knows what Warner is going to call and he has final say. I personally believe Dantonio is attempting to protect his young quarterback and now with this fantastic defense, he’s seen that he can allow Brian Lewerke to mature while the defense bails them out.

However, it’s time to open up the offense and allow Lewerke to be the quarterback and let it loose. Lewerke looked great on those final two drives against the Hoosiers. I like the pro set and it’s what Dantonio is all about, however, the personnel they have is not able to be effective running it and it’s time that the Spartans run more spread RPOs.

The offense has led them to this point rather than the coaching leading them to what they want. I write that not as a dig but it’s what’s working and what’s not. One or two yards on first down just won’t cut it for this team.

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What’s at stake is the possibility of another trip to Indianapolis. I trust Dantonio, he has proven himself over and over again. It’ll be interesting to see what this team does on Saturday.

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