Michigan State Football: 5 takeaways from rout of Maryland in Week 10

COLLEGE PARK, MD - NOVEMBER 03: Connor Heyward #11 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates with Tyler Higby #70 and Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans after scoring a touchdown against the Maryland Terrapins during the first half at Capital One Field on November 3, 2018 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /

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COLLEGE PARK, MD – NOVEMBER 03: Anthony McFarland #5 of the Maryland Terrapins runs against the Michigan State Spartans during the first half at Capital One Field on November 3, 2018 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /

1. Michigan State’s defense is elite

At the beginning of the season, there was talk about Michigan State’s defense not quite being up to par, especially through the air. The Spartans were surrendering 300 passing yards left and right, but the run defense was stepping up, ranked the No. 1 unit in the country.

That run defense has allowed a couple of 100-yard rushers since, but for the past two weeks, the Spartans have been dominant on the ground and impressive against the pass.

Against David Blough and Purdue’s potent passing attack last week, the Spartans allowed less than 300 yards and picked off the talented quarterback three times. This week, the defense allowed 100 total yards, including only 26 on the ground against a team that averages around 250 rushing yards per game this season.

The defense continues to keep this team in the game and if the offense was slightly more effective, the Spartans could be one of the best teams in the country.

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Think about it, if the offense could have moved the ball against Arizona State and Northwestern like they would have a year ago, this team could very well be 8-1. The Spartan defense is gaining some serious momentum.

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