Fansided

Michigan State Football spring game 2017: 5 things to watch for

By John Buhler

Nov 26, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Michigan State Spartans Mark Dantonio walks on the field during a warmup prior to the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Michigan State Spartans Mark Dantonio walks on the field during a warmup prior to the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 15, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans tight end Josiah Price (82) celebrates a touchdown with Michigan State Spartans offensive lineman Brian Allen (65) during the first quarter of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /

3. What’s going on up front?

What may have wrecked Michigan State’s 2016 season more than anything was the lousy play on the offensive line. While the Big Ten doesn’t have a number of elite pass rushers compared to the ACC or SEC, it’s never good to not protect the quarterback in the Big Ten either.

Michigan State allowed its quarterbacks to spend half of the game lying on their back after far too many sacks. The Spartans weren’t great at running the football. If they could pass protect or run block, what could the 2016 Michigan State offensive line do? Exactly.

Brian Allen and Cole Chewins will have a big say in how Michigan State’s offensive line looks heading into the season. They are the two main rollovers from last season’s debacle. Seeing how they play up front in the spring game could tell you more than you’d expect.

These glorified scrimmages are all about waving pom-poms in support of one’s favorite football team. However, if a Spartans fan looks a bit too closely with the offensive and doesn’t like what he sees, it could be a very long season up front for Michigan State. The Spartans have to be better along the offensive line if they want to hang tough in the Big Ten East.

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