Michigan State football: Stopping the run is critical to 2023 success

The 2022 season was not kind to Michigan State football. The Spartans struggled in many regards, including on both sides of the ball in the trenches, and that led to the 5-7 disappointment.

Defensive struggles are somewhat new for Michigan State as the Spartans were one of the best on that side of the ball during the Mark Dantonio era. Under Mel Tucker, however, that hasn’t quite been the case.

The secondary was one of the nation’s worst in 2021 and the entire unit was below average in 2022, but the second half of the season was much better.

While stopping the pass is important, stopping the run is critical to success.

Just ask new defensive line coach Diron Reynolds.

While that seems like a dramatic quote, he’s honestly not wrong. Defensively, this may be the most important factor when it comes to season-long success.

Even the bad Mark Dantonio teams had elite run defenses and that helped them get to bowl games when they probably had no business even sniffing them.

Michigan State football must stop some elite rushing attacks

Why is stopping the run so important? Because the Big Ten boasts some of the best rushing attacks in the entire country.

If Michigan State can slow down these teams on the ground, that could go a long way and spell potential upsets.

According to Phil Steele, Michigan State will face these rushing attacks in 2023 (these are their national rankings, according to Steele’s magazine):

• Michigan (1)
• Ohio State (2)
• Penn State (3)
• Washington (20)
• Minnesota (28)
• Maryland (39)
• Nebraska (40)
• Iowa (50)
• Indiana (64)

So this means that 75 percent of the schedule will pin Michigan State against above-average, at least, rushing attacks.

Stop the run, and success will follow.

Let’s hope the improved front seven will be able to handle the rushing attacks in the Big Ten as well as against Washington and pull off a few upsets.