Spring Ball Breakdown: In the trenches
Michigan State University defense lining up on the ball waiting for Northwestern s offensive line to move on Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020.
Each week heading into the Spring Game for MSU Football, The State News will be taking a look at a position group on Mel Tucker s roster as the Spartans prepare for their second season under the Tucker regime. In this edition, Eli McKown takes a look in the trenches with the offensive and defensive
line
.
Football is won in the trenches, probably why we saw Michigan State go 2-5 last season.
Neither of these units were great last year as the offensive line only created two running touchdowns and the defensive line ranked near the bottom of the conference in pass rush and creating sacks.
Mel Tucker placing heavy emphasis on special teams now and for Spartans with NFL aspirations
Updated 6:00 AM;
Today 6:00 AM
Penn State wide receiver Jahan Dotson breaks tackles as he returns a punt 81 yards for a touchdown during the fourth quarter on Dec. 12, 2020.
Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com
Facebook Share
One week after Michigan State started spring practice, Mel Tucker was asked to identify an area of growth early in his second season leading the program.
“Our special teams work has been very good, the technique and fundamentals, working on punt, just the entire operation, the efficiency of the drills, the understanding of what we need to get done, how we need to do it,” Tucker said on March 30. “We’re improved in that area, we’re moving in the right direction.”
Michigan State looking for pressure with four and more to improve pass rush
Updated 6:00 AM;
Today 6:00 AM
Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields (1) throws a pass as he is hit by Michigan State defensive tackle Jacob Slade (64) in the first quarter of their Big Ten football game game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, on Saturday, December 5, 2020. (Mike Mulholland | MLive.com)Mike Mulholland | MLive.com
Facebook Share
Nearly a month after starting spring practice, Michigan State is now heading into the final week.
For a team that didn’t have spring ball last year under a new staff, the 15 practices are crucial in development and improving deficiencies from last season, including the pass rush.
Michigan State waiting for reinforcements to arrive and fill out defense
Updated Apr 14, 2021;
Posted Apr 14, 2021
Ohio State wide receiver Chris Olave (2) fumbles the ball as he is tackled by Michigan State linebacker Chase Kline (21) in the third quarter of their Big Ten football game game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, on Saturday, December 5, 2020. (Mike Mulholland | MLive.com)Mike Mulholland | MLive.com
Facebook Share
Scottie Hazelton inherited a group with some big holes to fill.
Hired by Mel Tucker in February 2020 as Michigan State’s new defensive coordinator, he took over a group that lost seven starters, including six three-year starters.
Michigan State defensive notes: Ripping off Band-Aids and young standouts mlive.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from mlive.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.