Michigan State Looks to Improve Run Game
With spring practice No. 8 in the books, Michigan State look to amp up the intensity to prepare for the Spring Showcase.
The run game has been the least efficient and impactful part of the game in the last few seasons. The Spartans rushed for 89.5 yards per game last season, ranking in the bottom 10 amongst all bowl-eligible teams. In three of the previous four seasons, Michigan State rushed for less than 96 yards per game against Big Ten teams. Having a young, less developed quarterback with younger skill position players may lead Spartans coach Jonathan Smith to rely on the run game in some situations, especially against teams with veteran, experienced secondaries.
New run game coordinator Jim Michalczik led the 57th-ranked rushing offense in the nation at Oregon State last year, averaging 70 more yards per game than Michigan State. The Spartans will be hoping Michalczik can revive Michigan State's run game.
Michigan State junior guard Geno VanDeMark said, "It's just a whole new offense, a whole different scheme, and a different way to do pretty much the majority of our blocks."
VanDeMark also said later that it felt like it was less of a traditional blocking scheme and more of a through-their-face scheme. This should be good news to hear for fans, as Michigan State needs to play with some more urgency and anger and also try to speed up its opponents and make them play an uncomfortable game.
Oregon State was in the top 12 teams for offensive line units, with four linemen being named All-Pac 12 last year. Coach Michalczik was a nominee for the Broyles Award for top assistant coach.
Michigan State has a promising future with a talented young roster and a new coaching staff that has proven worthy after rebuilding Oregon State to back-to-back strong seasons and being ranked after the 2022 season. The atmosphere at Spartan Stadium has never been a letdown; it is always packed full, and this year might be the start of something new. With a young passer, pass catchers and a new and improved run game, the Spartans might have what they need to start climbing the ranks again.
The Michigan State Spartan Football Spring Green and White Game (Spring Showcase) will be held at the High Cathedral of the Spartan Nation, Spartan Stadium, on April 20, 2024, at 2 p.m.
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