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    • Spartans tight end could solve Michigan State’s offensive woes
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    Spartans tight end could solve Michigan State’s offensive woes

    Pabio Posted on

    Michigan State tight end Jack Velling could be the key to unlocking the Spartans’ red zone offense, which has struggled this season.

    The Spartans are near the bottom of the red zone efficiency rankings in the Big Ten. Michigan State scored on just 72 percent of red zone trips, which was the third-worst percentage in the conference, just ahead of Purdue and Nebraska.

    Against Indiana, the Spartans’ red zone offense was successful, scoring on both of their trips to the red zone. Quarterback Aidan Chiles found wide receiver Nick Marsh on a highlight-reel touchdown for their only touchdown of the game.

    The attention of opposing defenses is now focused on wide receivers with the emergence of Marsh and the consistency of the veteran. Montorie Foster Jr. outside.

    This means Velling has the opportunity to dominate the middle of the field where defenses may not be looking for him.

    At Oregon State, Velling produced in the red zone, scoring 11 touchdowns during his two seasons in Corvallis. Last season alone, the tight end threw for eight touchdowns, including a stretch in which he took five visits to the house in two games.

    This season, in the same system under coach Jonathan Smith and offensive coordinator Brian LindgrenVelling was not a factor in the red zone. Without much production from Velling, the Spartans’ struggles continued, failing to score in the red zone.

    Against Ohio State, the Spartans were driving on the Buckeyes’ defense until Velling was stripped in the red zone, losing the fumble and adding to the Spartans’ errors in the red zone.

    Velling still contributed to the offense outside of the red zone, with the junior ranking third on the team in catches and receiving yards. With 29 catches, Velling has already matched his total from last season in just nine games.

    As for the Spartans, Illinois has struggled this season defending in the red zone. THE Fight Illini are one of the worst red zone defenses in the Big Ten, ranking 102nd in the entire country, allowing red zone scores on 90% of trips.

    For Michigan State to pull off the upset against Illinois, the Spartans will need to take advantage of opportunities in the red zone and convert. The Spartans need to win two of their final three games to qualify for a playoff bowl game.

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    Pabio
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