Michigan State Football: 3 takeaways from win over Wake Forest

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NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 27: Head coach Mark Dantonio of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates with his players after defeating the Wake Forest Demon Deacons in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium on December 27, 2019 in the Bronx borough of New York City. Michigan State Spartans won 27-21. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images) /

1. Michigan State did exactly what was needed

This game was as much a metaphor for the Spartans’ style of play as it was a metaphor for Brian Lewerke’s career. It wasn’t pretty at times, but the Spartans found the weaknesses of the Deacons and came away with a close win. The Spartans figured out what Wake Forest wanted to do offensively and shut it down.

They realized that Jamie Newman is the only dangerous runner the Deacons have, and stopped keying in on running back Cade Carney. When Wake Forest couldn’t run, it exposed their passing deficiencies without their two best receivers Sage Surratt and Scotty Washington. Moreover, it exposed Newman’s issues with accuracy throwing to his younger less experienced receivers. His lack of trust in his receivers showed when he took off running after one or two reads.

Offensively, head coach Mark Dantonio got what he wanted in the third quarter: a lead. When the Spartans went up 27-21, he shortened the game. Freshman running back Elijah Collins had one of his best games of the season running for almost 100 yards.

When the running game wasn’t there, the Spartans used the swing pass to the wide receivers as extended running plays.

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The goal was simple, keep the defense fresh so they can deal with the tempo of the Wake Forest offense. They set the boa constrictor on the Deacons and smothered them for the win. How very Michigan State of you.

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