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Michigan State Football: 3 biggest disappointments from 2019 season

By Connor Muldowney

EAST LANSING, MI - NOVEMBER 30: Head coach Mark Dantonio of the Michigan State Spartans looks towards an official after a penalty was called against the Spartans during the first half of a game against the Maryland Terrapins at Spartan Stadium on November 30, 2019, in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - NOVEMBER 30: Head coach Mark Dantonio of the Michigan State Spartans looks towards an official after a penalty was called against the Spartans during the first half of a game against the Maryland Terrapins at Spartan Stadium on November 30, 2019, in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /
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We could talk about disappointments all day long regarding Michigan State football’s 2019 season, but what were the three biggest letdowns?

One season after going 7-6 with a loss to Oregon in the Redbox Bowl, Mark Dantonio’s coach shuffling was expected to make a difference, but that wasn’t quite the case.

In fact, the Spartans finished the 2019 season with the same record and a Pinstripe Bowl win over Wake Forest. While a bowl win is always a positive, needing just that to improve to 7-6 is not ideal. Michigan State seemed to take a step back in 2019 despite having an improved offense and that’s because of a step back — or two — on the other side of the ball.

Michigan State’s 2019 season was full of disappointment but what were the biggest letdowns from a tough campaign?

3. Offensive line

While I believe the offensive line was the weakest position group on the team, I didn’t expect it to be one of the strongest before the season, so it’s not the No. 1 disappointment on the season.

I did, however, believe that the offensive line would be vastly improved from a year ago, and that’s where I was wrong.

Jim Bollman took over as line coach and it seemed like a move that made sense because of his history there with Ohio State, but his guys struggled. Health was a legitimate concern for a number of linemen as Cole Chewins missed the entire season, Kevin Jarvis was out for weeks and Matt Allen, too, suffered injuries which caused him to miss some time.

The line was in shambles and a lot had to do with injuries, but even when the group was nearly at full-strength, it just wasn’t that effective.

This unit needs to improve drastically next season to avoid another massive letdown.

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