Improved Michigan State defensive line stuffed the run, increased pressure

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From San Diego, Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch and Detroit Free Press / LSJ MSU beat writer Chris Solari analyze the Spartans' 42-17 Holiday Bowl win over Washington State and what it means for MSU going forward. Graham Couch / Lansing State Journal

EAST LANSING – Perhaps the biggest question with Michigan State’s defense coming out of 2016 was if the Spartans could improve their putrid pass rush.

And that was before the dismissals of two former 4-star recruits at defensive end.

Former walk-on Kenny Willekes emerged as the surprise standout on the edge of the line. Sophomores Mike Panasiuk and Raequan Williams became run-stuffers in the middle, where a deep rotation developed.

And with a few tweaks to the system up front, MSU quickly returned to one of the nation’s elite defenses.

More: Report: Michigan State football's DE coach headed to Florida State

What worked: The Spartans finished as the nation’s No. 2-ranked defense against the run, allowing 95.3 yards per game. Just four opponents eclipsed 100 yards, and only national champion Alabama allowed fewer yards per game (94.7). MSU also went from a Mark Dantonio-era low 11 sacks in 2016 to 28 this season. While much of that revival came from increased pressure at linebacker, sophomore Willekes led them with seven sacks among his team-high 14.5 tackles for a loss. Departing senior Demetrius Cooper, who took over the starting job from another former walk-on Dillon Alexander, added 2.5 sacks opposite Willekes at defensive end. In the middle, Williams got 2.5 sacks. MSU used a “Delta” package – with redshirt freshman Brandon Randle, also a linebacker, occupying a defensive end spot in a three-man front to increase speed off the edge.

What didn’t work: Ohio State gashed the Spartans for a season-worst 335 yards in its blowout win, showing the need for more strength and quickness to handle elite offensive lines. MSU forced just 10 fumbles all season, recovering nine of their opponents’ 17 on the season. The Spartans need more pressure from their front four – beyond Willekes, the other defensive linemen combined for just eight sacks. Randle was close a number of times but just missed.

Who’s back: (DE) Kenny Willekes, jr. (starter); Dillon Alexander, sr.; Brandon Randle, so.; Jacub Panasiuk, so; Mufi Hill-Hunt, so.; Drew Beesley, so.; DeAri Todd, rs-fr.; Lashawn Paulino-Bell, rs-fr. (DT) Raequan Williams, jr. (starter), Mike Panasiuk, jr. (starter); Gerald Owens, sr.; Kyonta Stallworth, jr.; Naquan Jones, so.;

Who’s gone: (DE) Demetrius Cooper. (DT) None.

Who’s coming in: DE Parks Gissinger (Los Angeles Chaminade College Prep).

2018 outlook: Finding a running mate opposite Willekes will be the offseason priority. Jacub Panasiuk showed flashes during his true freshman season and needs to add size, which could eventually force him inside. It will be interesting to see how Randle’s hybrid pass-rush role evolves without co-defensive coordinator Harlon Barnett. Todd got some pregame second-team snaps toward the end of his redshirt season, and coaches feel he needs to add mass and strength to become a contributor next season. Gissinger could have a chance to play right away, and Dantonio said the Spartans are still looking to add defensive linemen before the February signing day. The interior is deep behind the starters, with Jones showing signs of being on the cusp of a breakout and both Owens and Stallworth providing quality snaps.

Contact Chris Solari: csolari@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @chrissolari. Download our Spartans Xtra app for free on Apple and Android devices!