Offensive line rotation works for Michigan State

(Photo: Dale G. Young / Detroit News)Chicago — It seemed odd a couple of years ago, as Michigan State was marching toward a Big Ten championship and a victory in the Rose Bowl, that the offensive line was far from an established, five-man unit.

While most teams want the five starters to be clear and will stick with that group, Spartans offensive line coach Mark Staten began implementing a type of rotation. As many as eight players were seeing regular snaps, often changing from possession to possession.

It wasn’t the norm in college football, but it paid off for the Spartans.

“It helps the whole offense,” fifth-year senior center Jack Allen said. “Instead of knowing what just your position does…