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Michigan State Football: 10 storylines to follow ahead of 2018 season

By Connor Muldowney

EAST LANSING, MI - SEPTEMBER 09: Running back LJ Scott #3 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates his first quarter touchdown against the Western Michigan Broncos with wide receiver Cody White #7 of the Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium on September 9, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Western Michigan 24-14. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - SEPTEMBER 09: Running back LJ Scott #3 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates his first quarter touchdown against the Western Michigan Broncos with wide receiver Cody White #7 of the Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium on September 9, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Western Michigan 24-14. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – OCTOBER 14: Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans calls a play at the line of scrimmage against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the game on October 14, 2017 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Spartans defeated the Gophers 30-27. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – OCTOBER 14: Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans calls a play at the line of scrimmage against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the game on October 14, 2017 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Spartans defeated the Gophers 30-27. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

6. Offensive line consistency

The battle on the offensive line is heating up and there are 3-4 guys battling it out for a couple of spots. Both tackle positions seem to be solidified and Kevin Jarvis should be locked in at guard, but Tyler Higby, David Beedle, Matt Allen and Jordan Reid may all be fighting for the starting center and/or guard spots.

Michigan State’s rushing offense ranked just seventh in the Big Ten and No. 62 in the country last season which is eye-opening considering the Spartans pride themselves on toting the rock. It wasn’t for a lack of trying either — the running backs all averaged less than five yards per touch.

Beedle has proven to be one of the best pass protectors on the team, but can he step up in the run game and give the offensive line added consistency at guard/center?

Higby started at guard last season and has plenty of talent to work with. If he doesn’t get complacent, he could be an All-Big Ten caliber guard or center, but he must not sit back and let others steal his job, he needs to step up and prove to be an excellent all-around lineman.

Allen is the younger brother of Jack Allen and Brian Allen so he has a lot to live up to. The starting center job looked like his, but he’s getting a run for his money. 

Lastly, Reid has impressed coaches since stepping foot on campus. He’ll get major playing time no matter if he’s with the ones or twos.

The staff will need more consistent play from Luke Campbell and Cole Chewins as well.

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