Michigan State Football: 5 takeaways from 2019 spring game

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EAST LANSING, MI – OCTOBER 21: Defensive end Jacub Panasiuk #96 of the Michigan State Spartans is congratulated by his brother, defensive tackle Mike Panasiuk #72 of the Michigan State Spartans, after sacking quarterback Peyton Ramsey of the Indiana Hoosiers for a 4-yard loss during the first quarter at Spartan Stadium on October 21, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Indiana 17-9. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

2. Run defense picked up right where it left off

What more can be said about Michigan State’s run defense? I mean, there was very little running room all game long, and that’s not exactly the offensive line’s fault.

The offensive line actually looked solid, didn’t get beat off the line too much and protected the quarterbacks for the most part, but the Spartan defense is just that good. While you might look at the stats and say there was no improvement on the line because the run game was relatively quiet despite a big work load, it was actually the play of the front-seven that stole the show — don’t fault the line for not opening mammoth holes against an elite defense.

Michigan State’s run defense was No. 1 in the country last season and it picked up right where it left off, even without Kenny Willekes on the end, rehabbing that leg injury he suffered in the Redbox Bowl.

Mike Panasiuk, Jacub Panasiuk, Naquan Jones, Drew Beesley, Zach Slade and Raequan Williams all played well up front and made life miserable for the Spartan running backs.

Shocker, Michigan State’s run defense will be elite once again in 2019.

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