With an ailing secondary needing help, Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio turned to his offensive stars to give a special senior day performance. Both wide receiver Tony Lippett and running back Jeremy Langford logged snaps at cornerback as well as being major contributors on offense.
The Spartans picked apart Rutgers 45-3, and the game was over by halftime, giving the Scarlet Knights another ugly conference loss. At 6-5, Rutgers is bowl eligible in their first season in the Big Ten.
By: Ian Wharton
Michigan State’s senior duo of Lippett and Langford has been the heart and soul of the offense this year. Lippett has shown great improvement as a route runner, boasting great feet and body control when fighting for contested balls. He’s not the most explosive player, but he’s been a reliable target that makes tough catches in traffic with some yards after catch potential.
Langford notched his 15th-straight conference game with 100 yards rushing, signifying his feature-back role and overall importance to the identity of the team. Langford projects as a backup-caliber NFL running back, lacking the physical traits to be more than a role player. But, he’s a tough runner with a little shake that helps him get to the second level of the defense.
Safety Kurtis Drummond has experienced a rough senior season for the Spartans, failing to replicate the success he had in 2013 and finding himself out of position too many times. On Saturday, he intercepted his 12th career pass, showing the instincts he flashed as a junior. His Senior Bowl process could provide a nice boost to his flailing draft stock.
Other Games
– Ohio State defensive tackle Michael Bennett was flashing the ability to be a highly effective pass rusher earlier in the season, but was riddled by an inconsistent motor. His last few games, however, have been the complete package. Bennett was once again dominant, this time against Indiana. Bennett has excellent hand quickness and a devastating swim move. His impact against the run is also improved, even if it’s not a strength overall.
– Bobby Richardson of Indiana has continued to play well as a senior, showing nice growth since last year. He primarily plays as a five-technique in a 3-4 front, where his speed and agility are major advantages. He chases down running backs and receivers on the sideline incredibly well for his size. He should be a mid-round option for teams needing a developmental athlete in the trenches.
– Minnesota linebacker Damien Wilson had a good bounce back game against Nebraska, showing better read and react ability and speed than he did against Ohio State. His delayed blitz for a sack and a critical stop on Tommy Armstead in the second half are helping his case for a draftable grade.
– Brandon Scherff is in a critical two-week stretch for his NFL projection, facing Vince Biegel this week and Randy Gregory next. For the most part, he played well against Wisconsin’s Biegel. Scherff lacks length and great agility, but he was able to take advantage of Biegel’s rawness and keep the redshirt sophomore out of his chest, giving Scherff the control.
– Iowa defensive tackle Louis Trinca-Pasat was a surprising Senior Bowl invite, as he’s been more of a raw athlete than consistent producer. That continued against the Badgers’ Dallas Lewallen. Lewallen is a power guard that seals run blocks well, and this gave Trinca-Pasat a lot of issues. Trinca-Pasat was able to flash enough with his plus speed and active hand use, getting into the backfield a few times on the weak side of runs. Overall, however, he needs time to improve his hand placement and functional strength.
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