Michigan State Football: 5 X-factors vs. Arizona State in Week 2

SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 28: Nnamdi Oguayo #30 of the Washington State Cougars pressures Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans from the pocket during the second half of the SDCCU Holiday Bowl at SDCCU Stadium on December 28, 2017 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

4 of 6

ANN ARBOR, MI – OCTOBER 17: Tight end Matt Sokol #81 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates after defeating the Michigan Wolverines 27-23 in the college football game at Michigan Stadium on October 17, 2015 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

3. Tight ends

This is the game for the Michigan State tight ends to stand and become playmakers. Matt Sokol is a 6-foot-6 senior and Matt Dotson is a 6-foot-5 sophomore. The advantage is their height and strength.

Arizona State could make getting the pigskin to Michigan State’s wide receivers difficult with their five defensive backs formation. Therefore, the Spartans could use their tight ends to take advantage.

Sokol finally got the starting nod as a junior, but he was not used as much as the wide receivers. He had some drops in key situations. This is his opportunity to take advantage of the matchup.

Dotson was a well-sought after recruit and he had the tight ends’ lone target against Utah State. However, he was not on the same page with Lewerke. There is an immense talent in this group and this could be the game that Spartan fans witness it.

Home/Spartans Football