Michigan State Football: 5 players who must step up Week 12 vs. Maryland

Michigan State Football: 5 players who need to step up vs. Maryland in Week 12

EAST LANSING, MI - NOVEMBER 04: Cody White #7 of the Michigan State Spartans looks for yards after a second half catch in front of Manny Bowen #43 of the Penn State Nittany Lions at Spartan Stadium on November 4, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State won the game 27-24. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

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EAST LANSING, MI – NOVEMBER 04: Felton Davis III #18 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates his second half touchdown with teammates while playing the Penn State Nittany Lions at Spartan Stadium on November 4, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

There have zero holes for running backs this year while the passing has flourished until last week. The reason the offensive line has done well in passing situations has been the Spartans moving the pocket with Brian Lewerke, which has kept defenses off balance.

There has been some sloppy play from them this year with penalties, though. True, it is a young line, but youth can no longer be an excuse.

At some point, there has to be some accountability with this unit. It would be different if this is the beginning of the year. Players were getting in games for the first time, but the penalties have been consistently committed at critical points in drives.

The reason could be that players feel as if they have to do too much. Whatever the logic, this unit does need to step up. With Maryland and Rutgers on the table, it’s an excellent opportunity for this team to finish off 2017 the correct way.

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