5 years ago was undoubtedly a fantastic measuring stick for MSU's program to continue its ascension among CFB's elite. Just 5 years ago our OL and DL weren't even really worthy of "sparring partner" description compared to the Tide. Cousins was on his back all day getting murdered, the running game was non-existant and MSU had no answers for Hightower and the rest of the gang. On defense, Bama ran it down MSU's throat at will with Ingram and Richardson and for good measure McElroy had all day to find receivers streaking wide open.
Today MSU's lines are among the elite, period! Amazing to think of the transformation of these two units in a relatively short time frame. In Conklin and the Allen's, MSU's left side is probably THE BEST in the country! I remember how disappointed everyone was 4 years ago when MD lost out on Riley Norman (to TRACK...) and Elmer to ND. It seemed that MSU would never get over the hump with a dominating LT. Along comes Conklin...with some good fortune (considering nobody else offered him other than Wayne State) and GREAT DEVELOPMENT, he's now a sure-fire 1st rounder. The Allen's are, well...The Allen's. Great interior football players who will likely play on Sunday's as well. To think that the right side never gets mentioned but is so solid with Kieler and Clark along with all of the depth is really remarkable.
The D-Line is much the same with the incredible wealth of depth and talent. Calhoun, Malik, Evans, LT, Sweat...on and on. And this year's haul on the D-Line is ridiculous!!!
Never, ever thought MSU would be this well positioned in the trenches. Hats off to MD, Burton, Staten and Mannie for their incredible work!!
Today MSU's lines are among the elite, period! Amazing to think of the transformation of these two units in a relatively short time frame. In Conklin and the Allen's, MSU's left side is probably THE BEST in the country! I remember how disappointed everyone was 4 years ago when MD lost out on Riley Norman (to TRACK...) and Elmer to ND. It seemed that MSU would never get over the hump with a dominating LT. Along comes Conklin...with some good fortune (considering nobody else offered him other than Wayne State) and GREAT DEVELOPMENT, he's now a sure-fire 1st rounder. The Allen's are, well...The Allen's. Great interior football players who will likely play on Sunday's as well. To think that the right side never gets mentioned but is so solid with Kieler and Clark along with all of the depth is really remarkable.
The D-Line is much the same with the incredible wealth of depth and talent. Calhoun, Malik, Evans, LT, Sweat...on and on. And this year's haul on the D-Line is ridiculous!!!
Never, ever thought MSU would be this well positioned in the trenches. Hats off to MD, Burton, Staten and Mannie for their incredible work!!
