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Michigan State Football: 3 seniors who are due for breakout seasons in 2020

By Connor Muldowney

EVANSTON, ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 21: Naquan Jones #93 of the Michigan State Spartans rushes against Sam Stovall #56 of the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field on September 21, 2019 in Evanston, Illinois. Michigan State defeated Northwestern 31-10. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
EVANSTON, ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 21: Naquan Jones #93 of the Michigan State Spartans rushes against Sam Stovall #56 of the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field on September 21, 2019 in Evanston, Illinois. Michigan State defeated Northwestern 31-10. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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EAST LANSING, MI – OCTOBER 6: Offensive lineman Matt Allen #64 of the Michigan State Spartans blocks against defensive lineman Ben Oxley #83 of the Northwestern Wildcats during the second half at Spartan Stadium on October 6, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. Northwestern defeated Michigan State 29-19. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI – OCTOBER 6: Offensive lineman Matt Allen #64 of the Michigan State Spartans blocks against defensive lineman Ben Oxley #83 of the Northwestern Wildcats during the second half at Spartan Stadium on October 6, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. Northwestern defeated Michigan State 29-19. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

It’s hard to say Matt Allen hasn’t had his chance to break out yet, but I think that he’s kind of flown under the radar for three years because of injuries and overall poor offensive line play.

When an entire group of players underperforms, it’s hard to say anyone has stood out as the best player. Allen has been as consistent as possible, though, and he, along with Kevin Jarvis, may have been the best offensive lineman for the Spartans over the past couple of years.

Allen started seven games in 2018 and nine in 2019 and he’s entering his final season where he should be the clear No. 1 center on the roster. He’s also on the team’s Eagles Leadership Council so he’s already looked at as a leader and just needs to go out and prove it on the field with a career year and maybe an All-Big Ten selection.

With Chris Kapilovic now in charge of the offensive line, Allen has a good shot of improving tenfold and becoming that player everyone expected when he came in with the 2016 class.

If the offensive line is going to improve, it’ll have to start with the senior leader in the middle and Allen could be the guy that keeps everyone together like his older brothers did.

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