EAST LANSING — One of the biggest tweaks Michigan State football made going into Saturday’s upset of Penn State was shortening its offensive line group.
Along with simplifying his team’s blocking scheme, coach Mark Dantonio and assistant Mark Staten’s decision to play five guys predominantly in the game was one of the big reasons they were able to run the ball for 123 yards.
It helped the Spartans prevent the Nittany Lions from focusing their defensive energy to solely stopping the passing game in MSU's victory.
It may not have resulted in a season-high yardage total — MSU has run for more in three other games this season.
However, it helped La’Darius Jefferson, Connor Heyward and Brian Lewerke find more room between the tackles than the Spartans had in those other games. Jefferson gained 27 yards on one play — a season-long by an MSU running back — by going through a big hole up the middle and bouncing to the outside once he hit the second level of PSU’s defense. He also had a 1-yard TD in the first half.
Lewerke said having a singular group of five in front of him — Cole Chewins at left tackle, Tyler Higby at left guard, Matt Allen at center, Blake Bueter at right guard and Jordan Reid at right tackle — helped with cohesion and communication.
MSU did not provide a depth chart for the U-M game for second time in three seasons, and Dantonio did not give any updates on any of the Spartans’ bevy of injured players.
Dantonio did not release a depth chart in 2016, citing injury issues that year.
MSU is dealing with a number of hurt players, particularly at receiver.
The Spartans were without Cody White (hand), Darrell Stewart Jr. (ankle) and Jalen Nailor (unspecified) in last week’s game. They lost Cam Chambers (thumb) and Brandon Sowards (unspecified) for most of the second half, and then watched Felton Davis III (hip) and Laress Nelson (leg) each have to leave on the winning drive. Davis returned to score the final touchdown, and Nelson was also in on that play.
The Spartans also played at Penn State without running back LJ Scott (ankle), right guard Kevin Jarvis (leg), left guard David Beedle (arm), punter Jake Hartbarger (leg) and cornerbacks Josh Butler (unspecified) and Josiah Scott (knee).
The team that wins the rushing battle takes usually home the Paul Bunyan Trophy. That has been true for 43 of the past 48 meetings between MSU and Michigan, including the Spartans’ 14-10 win a year ago. They outgained the Wolverines on the ground, 158-102.
In 11 games against U-M, Dantonio’s MSU teams hold a 1,923-988 advantage in rushing yards.
It likely will come down to which offense can power through their opponent’s defense. MSU ranks No. 1 in the country at 62.3 yards allowed per game, even after the Spartans gave up a season-worst 205 yards against Penn State. Michigan ranks 15th at 108.9 yards yielded.