Strengthening the run defense is paramount for MSU football against Iowa

Early in his tenure as MSU’s head football coach, Jonathan Smith repeatedly emphasized the importance of linear improvement.

Since its first game, MSU has made progress in many aspects, but one thing has stalled in recent weeks: rushing defense.

In the first quarter of the season, the Spartans were always able to rely on their ability to defend the rush. But over the last three games, MSU’s interior defense has struggled to hold its own at the point of attack. This was one of many reasons the Spartans lost three games after a 3-0 start.

This weekend, Michigan State hosts one of the best rushing teams in the country, Iowa, at Spartan Stadium. In order to keep up with the Hawkeyes, the Spartans’ rushing defense will be under pressure to return to previous form.

When the Smith era started hot and MSU won its first three games, defending the run was the main key to success. In those three games, MSU’s opponents combined for just 2.2 yards per carry and one rushing touchdown.

“I feel like overall it’s just up to Michigan State football to stop the run,” sixth-year defensive lineman Khris Bogle said after Wednesday’s practice. “That’s the first thing in the game, you have to stop the run.”

That stretch gave the Spartans the 14th-ranked rushing defense in the nation before their matchup against Boston College. Then things took a turn against BC, Ohio State and Oregon.

MSU’s top 15 rushing defenses quickly moved up to 59th in the nation in three weeks. Opposing teams have rushed for up to 4.7 yards per carry with six rushing touchdowns.

While Boston College and Ohio State’s rushing attack was slow and methodical, the highlight of MSU’s run defense struggles came against the Oregon Ducks, who ripped off one long run after another against MSU. Oregon running back Jordan James could not be contained by the Spartans as the Ducks ran for 213 yards on the night.

“Obviously the last two games have shown some things that we need to get better at,” defensive coach Legi Suiaunoa said on Wednesday. “We just have to be able to play with better technique and then be detailed. That’s the difference when we play at this level.”

The success of MSU’s opposing running backs can be attributed to many areas, most notably the lack of penetration into defensive line gaps and missed tackles at the second level. Chunk games against the Spartans were more common.

In six games, MSU’s opponents have rushed for 10 yards or more 24 times. 18 of those came in the last three games. The upcoming duel with Iowa poses a problem for MSU. The Hawkeyes have maintained a tenacious, run-oriented identity year after year. They currently rank 13th nationally in rushing offense.

Junior running back Kaleb Johnson was the star and key player in the Iowa backfield. The 6-foot-2, 220-pound defender is a formidable player to take down and is one of the best ball carriers Michigan State will face this season.

Johnson currently ranks second nationally in rushing yards (937), third in yards per carry (7.9) and fourth in rushing touchdowns (12).

“It starts with stopping the run,” Smith said Monday. “They have a good back, he is not easy to attack. So when we go back to team defense, we need multiple players on the ball to take this guy down.”

The patient Johnson has it all: power, speed and volatility. His skills have not only made him a productive rusher in college football; He did it behind one of the best run-blocking offensive lines in the Big Ten. If the Spartans hope to end their three-game losing streak, getting back to the rush defense’s first three weeks will be crucial.

The Spartans and Hawkeyes will face off at Spartan Stadium on Saturday, October 19th at 7:30 p.m. The game will stream exclusively on Peacock.