Michigan State Football: Grading Spartans’ performance in Arizona State loss
![TEMPE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 08: Quarterback Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans drops back to 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) TEMPE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 08: Quarterback Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans drops back to 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)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/975c1d0259baae6f5cb460816980beff28c96ca1cb6886ceef6f55e7f7c49eef.jpg)
Defensive line: C+
Where was the push? Manny Wilkins seemed to have all the time in the world to drop back and find an open receiver all game. Sure, most of his passes were short and he got the ball out quickly, but there just wasn’t much of a rush, especially from the defensive ends.
Jacub Panasiuk was out for this one, but his replacement, Jack Camper, actually had a solid game. He had three tackles and one for loss, earning himself more playing time.
Raequan Williams and Mike Panasiuk played well at defensive tackle and clogged holes, keeping the run game in check, but they weren’t able to get to the quarterback. Williams finished with five tackles and two for loss while Panasiuk had one tackle but provided a nice punch.
Kenny Willekes had a decent game, forcing a few quick throws from Wilkins. He had two tackles and one for loss, but the Spartans had just two sacks as a team and none came from the line.
This unit needs to get a better push and stop making weaker offensive lines look like Wisconsin.