Michigan State Football: Report card for loss to Northwestern in Week 9

Quite the opposite of the offensive line, the defensive line struggled in the pass game. The guys up front could rarely get a rush on Clayton Thorson and that’s why he was able to dink and dunk the Spartans for 356 yards and two scores. He basically did what he wanted all day long because he had so much time to throw.

The Spartans did get a sack, but it came from Joe Bachie at linebacker so the defensive line was held in check. Moreover, Michigan State got just one quarterback hurry from Raequan Williams, but that was it. They need to be better up front against an offensive line that isn’t elite.

Kenny Willekes continues to be a strong figure in the unit, recording five tackles and 0.5 for loss while Jacub Panasiuk had another tackle for loss and two tackles. The line has had the same contributors stepping up, but even on Saturday, it seemed like there was no push in the pass rush.

There were times when these guys got into the backfield, but it was just a second or two too late as Thorson got the ball out quickly on five-yard slants most of the game.