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Report-card season continues with a look at the Michigan State Spartans.  Offense: A-
What’s not to like? The Spartans sputtered in the second half at Oregon after racing to a two-score lead. They were equally shut down for much of the second and third quarters at home against Ohio State and struggled to finish against Nebraska. But this was a good offensive unit, featuring the most consistent group of skill-position players in the league. QB Connor Cook improved statistically only a small amount over his sophomore season, but his leadership proved huge in the comeback win over Baylor in the Cotton Bowl. Tony Lippett on the edge was the best in the league. Jack Conklin and Jack Allen played at a high level, and MSU, as usual, fielded a powerful running game behind Jeremy Langford. Defense: B The standard here is so high. And while Michigan State led the nation in rushing defense while playing in a league of the best running backs nationally – in addition to a meeting with Oregon – don’t overlook that the Spartans struggled at times to defend the pass. Trae Waynes and Kurtis Drummond deserved their accolades in the secondary; Shilique Calhoun and Marcus Rush were a fearsome duo, but an element of dominance was missing in comparison to Pat Narduzzi’s 2013 unit. Michigan State faced arguably the nation’s three best offenses in the Ducks, Ohio State and Baylor, surrendering an average of 45 points. Against the rest of the schedule, the number was 14.4. Special teams: B- The Spartans weren’t great in any area of the kicking game, though nothing stood out as a liability. R.J. Shelton did a nice job on kickoff returns. Michael Geiger was usually reliable as a placekicker, though he missed a pair of field goals against Ohio State. Punter Mike Sadler, an All-American as a junior, fought the effects of a knee injury but remained solid. Rush’s late block of a Baylor field-goal attempt allowed the Spartans to complete their comeback win in the season finale. Coaching: A- Michigan State began 2014 with aspirations to reach the College Football Playoff after its Rose Bowl win to cap the previous season. And while it lost twice – to playoff finalists Oregon and Ohio State – credit Mark Dantonio and his staff for keeping the Spartans focused after the disappointment. Both times, MSU responded well. It performed well in areas that require coaching, ranking ninth nationally in defensive third-down conversion rate and among the national leaders in offensive red-zone efficiency. Overall: B+ Never take for granted an 11-win season – even at Michigan State, where the Spartans have enjoyed four in the past five years. As usual, it got solid leadership and improved from start to finish. Sure, MSU didn’t produce complete performances in its biggest games, but no team nationally, including Alabama, can claim a better two-loss resume.
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