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Michigan State Football: Report card for Pinstripe Bowl win over Wake Forest

By Connor Muldowney

NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 27: Defensive tackle Mike Panasiuk #72 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates after defeating the Wake Forest Demon Deacons in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium on December 27, 2019 in the Bronx borough of New York City. Michigan State Spartans won 27-21. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 27: Defensive tackle Mike Panasiuk #72 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates after defeating the Wake Forest Demon Deacons in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium on December 27, 2019 in the Bronx borough of New York City. Michigan State Spartans won 27-21. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 27: Wide receiver Jalen Nailor #8 of the Michigan State Spartans rushes past linebacker Ja’Cquez Williams #30 of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons during the second half of the New Era Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee StadiuB+m on December 27, 2019 in the Bronx borough of New York City. Michigan State Spartans won 27-21. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 27: Wide receiver Jalen Nailor #8 of the Michigan State Spartans rushes past linebacker Ja’Cquez Williams #30 of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons during the second half of the New Era Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee StadiuB+m on December 27, 2019 in the Bronx borough of New York City. Michigan State Spartans won 27-21. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images) /

Offense

The offense had no problem moving the ball with ease, picking up 497 total yards, including 320 through the air. This team just had an issue finishing in the red zone with three empty trips in the second half.

Brian Lewerke: A-

The MVP of the Pinstripe Bowl, Brian Lewerke played one of his best games of the season, completing 70 percent of his passes for 320 yards and a touchdown. He did have a bad interception that was tipped off the hands of Elijah Collins on a high throw, but other than that, he was as money as can be. He also rushed for over 40 yards and a touchdown, including a huge 24-yard run late in the second half. If not for an interception, he would have gotten a clean A.

Running Backs: B+

For how bad the offensive line was, the running backs still found a way to produce, and for that, this is a more than fair grade. The Spartans accounted for 177 rushing yards — although 46 came from Lewerke — and Elijah Collins led the way with 96. He came just 12 yards shy of 1,000 on the season. Anthony Williams showed good burst and proved that he can be a nice complement to Collins next season and beyond.

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends: B+

If you’re a Michigan State fan, you have to be excited about the future of the receivers and tight ends. While Matt Dotson went down in the middle of the season, he has been replaced by Trenton Gillison who had a breakout game against Wake, catching four passes for 88 yards and a near-touchdown. He did fumble in the red zone, so that nearly cost the Spartans a win, but he played well other than that.

As for the receivers, Tre Mosley had a nice game with four catches for 50 yards, Jalen Nailor had five receptions for 60 yards and Cody White had eight catches for 97 yards and a touchdown. These guys played extremely well.

Offensive Line: C-

This was by far the worst aspect of the offense on Friday afternoon and that’s easy to say when there was nothing that could seemingly go wrong for this group, other than finishing in the red zone. Preserving Devontae Dobbs’ redshirt was huge so that may have been one of the reasons this line struggled but there’s hope for next year with the young guys gaining experience. The Spartans’ offensive line should be revamped next season because they had a horrid game against Wake Forest.

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