Michigan State Basketball: 5 takeaways from win over Rutgers in Week 5

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PISCATAWAY, NJ – DECEMBER 05: Jaren Jackson Jr. #2 of the Michigan State Spartans loses the ball as Shaquille Doorson #2 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights defends in the second half on December 5, 2017 at the Rutgers Athletic Center in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

4. Spartans’ length will continue to plague opponents

The length of the Spartans was a big problem for Rutgers on the offensive end on Tuesday night. The Spartans finished with 13 blocks and eight of them came from Jaren Jackson Jr. He continues to make life miserable for anyone who tries to get into the lane.

It’s the length that’s making the defensive effort that much stronger. The Spartans held a sixth straight opponent under 65 points on Tuesday and it’s been the length, coupled with increased aggressiveness, that’s been the difference.

Any time Rutgers tried to drive on the Spartans, it seemed like Jackson Jr. was there to sway shots. When he wasn’t in, it was Xavier Tillman, Kenny Goins and Gavin Schilling off the bench who provided length in the post.

This team is tough to drive against or even shoot against. It’s that same length that held Rutgers to a 26 percent shooting clip from the floor. The defense continues to improve, but the offense took a step back against the Scarlet Knights.

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