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Michigan State Football: 5 biggest questions facing Spartans following spring 2018

By Connor Muldowney

EVANSTON, IL - OCTOBER 28: Head coach Mark Dantonio of the Michigan State Spartans talks to his team before a game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field on October 28, 2017 in Evanston, Illinois. Northwestern defeated Michigan State 39-31 in triple overtime. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
EVANSTON, IL - OCTOBER 28: Head coach Mark Dantonio of the Michigan State Spartans talks to his team before a game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field on October 28, 2017 in Evanston, Illinois. Northwestern defeated Michigan State 39-31 in triple overtime. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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Spring 2018 is in the books and Michigan State football still has some questions to answer. What’re the five biggest facing the Spartans?

With the weather finally getting warmer, it’s almost as if us Michiganders have skipped the spring season and have gone right from winter to summer. However, there was technically a spring, and Michigan State was able to showcase its progress in a poor-conditioned spring game in front of a smaller crowd than usual.

The offense looked solid, but the defense was suffocating at times and fans got their first taste of Rocky Lombardi, for the most part, as well as Theo Day. Connor Heyward also looked solid in the backfield as LJ Scott’s backup running back for the game with Weston Bridges out.

Despite the first taste of the 2018 team during the spring scrimmage, there are still some question marks surrounding the 10-win team which returns 19 starters from 2017.

What’re the five biggest questions facing the Spartans after spring ball?

5. Can the offensive line be a well-oiled machine?

The offensive line was an issue during the 2017 season. Although it wasn’t as big of a disaster as it was in 2016, the line struggled to open running lanes for LJ Scott and the rest of the backs.

During the spring game, we saw Matt Allen take over at center and Jordan Reid fit in nicely on the offensive line. Although the latter may not start in 2018, he will have a large role on the line. He has the tools to be a solid depth piece up front and on most teams, he would be starting. Allen will be following his older brothers’, Jack and Brian, footsteps.

Cole Chewins, Luke Campbell, Kevin Jarvis, David Beedle and Tyler Higby return as starters and they could gel as a unit, becoming more of a well-oiled machine.

The offensive line needs to improve, but will it be enough to run together as a well-oiled machine, or will it be another long year in the trenches?

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