Michigan State Football: 5 takeaways from tough loss to Arizona State

Michigan State Football: 5 takeaways from last-second loss to Arizona State

TEMPE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 08: Quarterback Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans throws a pass during the first half of the college football game against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Tempe, Arizona. The Sun Devils defeated the Spartans 16-13. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

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TEMPE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 08: Quarterback Manny Wilkins #5 of the Arizona State Sun Devils drops back to pass under pressure from linebacker Brandon Bouyer-Randle #26 of the Michigan State Spartans during the first half of the college football game at Sun Devil Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

3. Pass rush was non-existent

This reason may be a little misleading seeing as the defensive tackles played a solid game and got a nice push up front. That included Raequan Williams, Mike Panasiuk, Gerald Owens and Naquan Jones, but rarely did we see the ends collapse the pocket and make Manny Wilkins uncomfortable.

Jack Camper played a strong game in place of the injured Jacub Panasiuk at end and Kenny Willekes was decent again, but other than that, the pass rush was nowhere to be found.

Wilkins was sacked just one time all game long and it came on a corner blitz from Tre Person as he knocked the ball out of the quarterback’s hands and Williams nearly scooped up the fumble and scored — but he should have fallen on it which may have changed the game.

The pass rush was non-existent, allowing Wilkins to complete 30-of-48 passes for 380 yards and a touchdown. He scrambled a couple of times for easy yardage because of the ends over-pursued and created huge lanes.

The line was considered a concern heading into the year and the lack of sacks and hurries are proving everyone right.

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