Michigan State football is undefeated after a 23-6 win over Western Michigan last Friday. The game was an overall positive beginning to the second season of the Jonathan Smith era.
The Spartans pretty much had control of the game from start to finish. Not once did you think the game was in jeopardy. That being said, the Spartans also didn’t make a major statement.
After a strong start, Michigan State slowly got worse as the game went on. They were outscored 6-2 in the second half, mostly due to poor offensive execution.
Boston College comes to town on Saturday night, completing the home-and-home series. Last year, Michigan State lost a heartbreaker on the road on a cold, rainy night.
Heading into Week 2 against Boston College, there was a lot to like from the Week 1 performance, but also a lot to fix. Let’s take a look at three things that need to be improved upon in Week 2 in order to get revenge on the Eagles.
1. Pass protection
In the second half, the Michigan State pass protection really fell apart last week. Not the fault of one person, but the whole operation. The offensive line needs to be better, plain and simple. But we can’t pin all of the blame on them.
The running backs in pass protection need to improve, too. Brandon Tullis missed a block that led to a fumble by Aidan Chiles. The line isn’t going to be perfect, so the next man up needs to be able to protect Chiles so he can make a play.
Lastly, Jonathan Smith mentioned his press conference Chiles still needs to be quicker with his reads and get the ball out sooner. Overall, the whole operation needs to be better because Boston College will be bringing the heat Saturday.
Having time in the pocket can be the difference between 2-0 and 1-1.
2. Deep ball pass defense
It was hard to really complain about the defense last week, but if there was something to improve, it would be making a play on deep balls. For the most part, the pass defense was stout. Western Michigan’s pair of quarterbacks combined for a stat line of 16-for-33 with 188 yards and an interception.
That being said, on the first play of the game, they threw a deep ball over cornerback Joshua Eaton's head for 35 yards. Baylor Brooks also caught a 42-yard ball over safety Armorion Smith. Western didn't complete many passes, but when they did, it seemed like they were big, explosive plays over Spartan defensive backs.
Boston College will surely try to exploit this. Last week against Fordham, Boston College quarterback Dylan Lonergan was 26-for-34 with 268 yards and four touchdowns. Even their backup, Grayson James, came in and was 5-for-5 with 190 yards and a score.
As a team, Boston College had 38 carries for 98 yards last week. It seems that the run game is not exactly the team's strength, so Spartan defensive backs need to be ready for the Eagles to air it out.
3. Explosive plays on offense
The first half of Michigan State adopted a slow, methodical approach. Makhi Frazier and Brandon Tullis did a great job picking up yards on the ground, and Chiles made quick passes to receivers that made plays after the catch.
There’s nothing wrong with that, but in a game against a tough defense like Boston College, it will be difficult to go on long drives consistently. Stretching the field and gaining big yards will be at a premium and could be the difference between winning and losing.
Chiles' longest pass on Friday night was a 28-yard completion to Chrishon McCray on a broken play. The offense can’t rely on methodical drives; they will have to get chunk plays here and there.
If the Michigan State offensive line can continue to dominate in the run game, they can mix in some shot plays off of play action. This is a game where Brian Lindgren can get creative with all of his new offensive weapons.
If the Spartans ran the ball like they did last week and can create some big plays, they will be very tough to beat.