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Michigan State Football: 5 most important players vs. Michigan

By Connor Muldowney

ANN ARBOR, MI - OCTOBER 07: Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans rolls out to pass during the second quarter of the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI - OCTOBER 07: Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans rolls out to pass during the second quarter of the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on October 7, 2017 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /
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EAST LANSING, MI – SEPTEMBER 29: Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates a first half touchdwon while playing the Central Michigan Chippewas at Spartan Stadium on September 29, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI – SEPTEMBER 29: Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates a first half touchdwon while playing the Central Michigan Chippewas at Spartan Stadium on September 29, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

2. Entire offensive line

How much different would this offense be in 2018 if the offensive line played up to its expectations? We might be talking about one of the best offenses in the Big Ten if that were the case, but it’s amazing how much a poor offensive line negatively impacts this entire side of the ball.

Michigan State’s unit up front has the pieces but it has been hampered by injuries and just flat-out poor play. Guys like Luke Campbell and Tyler Higby have struggled this season while Matt Allen is a first-year starter still learning the ropes at center and Cole Chewins, David Beedle and Kevin Jarvis have all been fighting with injuries.

There wasn’t just one player who I dubbed ‘most important’ from the offensive line because I truly believe they are all equally crucial come Saturday afternoon against Michigan’s elite front.

The tackles may be slightly more important because Michigan’s defensive ends are arguably the best in the conference and they help lead one of the best defenses in the country. Keeping them out of the backfield will be key, but it all depends on how well this line wants to protect Brian Lewerke and pave the way for an adequate running game.

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