As noted in the most recent posting at MSUSpartans.com, the Big Green machine went through a three hour scrimmage last Saturday. What did we learn?

DEFENSE - Mitchell White seems like a playmaker in the defensive backfield, returning a Maxwell pass back for six points. We need playmakers at DB, badly. Marcus Hyde also returned a pick-six, and we know he can already lay the lumber at his safety spot. Defensive end Denzel Drone seems to be the real deal, making plays along the line. He's a projected starter at this point... let's see what happens when blue-chipper William Gholston gets to campus.

OFFENSE - Both Kirk Cousins (19-30-188-2-2) and Andrew Maxwell (15-27-199-2-1) seem to have the grips on the QB spot. We have lots of depth there. Keith Nichol is settling into his WR role, and Keshawn Martin is now the real deal as a huge playmaker on offense - 12 receptions for 109 yards for Martin. The Spartan running game churned out 135 yards, with 47 for Larry Caper on 10 carries. Coach Dantonio was very pleased with the offensive production. However, what is concerning is no mention of TEs... something that was not utilized enough last year and with significant depth we need to see TEs as a more significant part of the offensive production beyond blocking.

FIELD GOALS - Dan Conroy converted his first four field-goal attempts (from 23, 38, 44 and 44 yards) before missing the potential game-winner from 41 yards out in overtime. Meanwhile, newbie Kevin Muma made 1-of-2 field-goal attempts, coming up short on a 49-yarder and hitting from 33 yards.