Michigan State Football: 5 areas of concern following spring 2019

LINCOLN, NE - NOVEMBER 17: Defensive back Lamar Jackson #21 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers interferes with wide receiver Cody White #7 of the Michigan State Spartans on a pass in the second half at Memorial Stadium on November 17, 2018 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /

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LINCOLN, NE – NOVEMBER 17: Quarterback Rocky Lombardi #12 of the Michigan State Spartans prepares to take a snap from offensive lineman Matt Allen #64 in the second half against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on November 17, 2018 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /

4. Offensive line’s ability to open holes in the run game

This was a concern throughout the entire 2018 season and it came back during the spring game, although the defensive line is just that good to where it made the offensive line look like it hadn’t improved much in the run game.

To be fair, the pass blocking was much improved with this group and it could have had a lot to do with the added weight for each of the under-300-pound guys this offseason. They didn’t allow any free runs to Brian Lewerke, Theo Day or Rocky Lombardi and each quarterback was given enough time to go through their progressions — which is why Lewerke had a big day.

But the ability to open running lanes is still under construction. The backs were unable to flash any signs of major progress because they were swallowed up almost instantly.

Can this problem be fixed before the 2019 season? It’ll need to be if this offense wants to be anything more than just mediocre, at best, with a run game that’s a far cry from typical Mark Dantonio dominance on the ground.

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