Michigan State football: Offensive Line Looking to Wear Down Prairie View A&M Early

Stanton Ramil’s journey to making his debut for Michigan State was anything but straightforward. After an injury cut short his freshman season, he had to watch from the sidelines as the program underwent significant changes. The firing of Mel Tucker and the subsequent overhaul of the coaching staff marked a turbulent period for the Spartans, compounded by an offensive line that struggled mightily throughout the 2023 season. Michigan State’s offensive woes were reflected in their historically poor rushing statistics, which saw the team end up with the worst per-game rushing average in the program’s history.

Amid this upheaval, Ramil’s decision to stay with Michigan State under Jonathan Smith’s new regime speaks volumes about his commitment and resilience. He found reassurance in the new offensive line coach, Jim Michalczik, and chose to remain part of the program despite the coaching changes and the team’s struggles. His first opportunity to prove himself came in the season opener against Florida Atlantic, where he played left tackle. It was a significant moment for the redshirt freshman, who had not only endured a year of rehabilitation but also faced a transformed team environment with new teammates and strategies.

The challenges for Michigan State’s offensive line this season are evident. The unit, which saw considerable turnover from the previous year, has been working to establish cohesion and effectiveness. Early on, the Spartans’ offensive line has faced the daunting task of revitalizing a run game that has yet to find its rhythm. As they prepare to face Prairie View A&M, an FCS team, the goal is clear: dominate at the line of scrimmage and wear down their opponents through sheer physicality and depth.

Ramil, who has been backing up senior starter Brandon Baldwin, emphasized the need for consistent, reliable gains rather than aiming for big plays. “We’re not really looking for the 10-plus yard runs,” he said. “We’re just looking for 4- or 5-yard gains.” This pragmatic approach reflects a broader strategy to impose their will on the opposition and gradually break down their defensive front.

The offensive line’s performance over the first two weeks of the season has shown some improvement, albeit incremental. After averaging 89.5 rushing yards per game last season, which was the lowest in the program’s history, the Spartans have seen a slight uptick in their rushing output this year. They are currently averaging 150 yards per game, with a notable 179-yard showing against Florida Atlantic and 121 yards against Maryland. Despite these improvements, the run game remains inconsistent, and there is a palpable sense that more can be achieved.

Smith’s criticism following the game against Maryland highlighted the areas that still need improvement. Despite the Spartans’ 27-24 victory, the coach was not satisfied with the run game’s efficiency and noted issues with pass protection. “There’s still meat left on the bone,” Smith remarked, indicating that the offensive unit had not yet reached its full potential. The need for better protection and more effective run-blocking is a central focus for the team as they look to build momentum and refine their performance.

In their game against Prairie View A&M, the Spartans are expected to leverage their size and strength to dominate at the point of attack. The coaching staff’s strategy involves utilizing the offensive line’s depth and physicality to wear down the Panthers. This approach is aligned with Ramil’s emphasis on maintaining consistent, positive yardage gains and wearing down the defense over the course of the game.

The offensive line rotation has seen several new faces and changes this season. Gavin Broscious, who was also recovering from injury last year, has stepped in at right guard to replace Kristian “Big Dooley” Phillips, who is sidelined for the season. Broscious’s debut included some growing pains, highlighted by a chop block penalty among five total penalties committed by the offensive line. The rotation has also involved Dallas Fincher, Tanner Miller, and Luke Newman, with Baldwin alternating at right tackle with Ashton Lepo. Lepo, like the rest of the line, has faced challenges, including three penalties in the game.

Smith’s comments on the need for a more physical and cohesive offensive line echo the sentiments shared by Ramil. The coach has stressed the importance of playing with lower pad levels, finishing blocks, and maintaining discipline throughout each play. This emphasis on physicality is crucial for the run game to become more effective, as the offensive line needs to consistently win at the line of scrimmage and open up running lanes for the backs.

Ramil’s commitment to improving and adapting is evident in his reflections on the learning process. He acknowledges that mistakes made during games are more impactful than those made in practice. This recognition of the heightened stakes in game situations underscores the pressure on the offensive line to execute consistently under the spotlight.

Smith and Michalczik’s track record of developing NFL-caliber offensive linemen at Oregon State has been a key factor in Ramil’s decision to stay with Michigan State. The Beavers’ offense was notable for its effectiveness, averaging 167.1 rushing yards per game and leading the nation in red-zone efficiency last season. Ramil’s hope is to help Michigan State reach similar levels of success, even if it means enduring some growing pains along the way.

For Michigan State, the game against Prairie View A&M represents an opportunity to further refine their offensive approach and build confidence. The FCS opponent provides a chance for the Spartans to assert their physicality and establish a more effective run game. The goal is not just to secure a victory but to lay the groundwork for future success by demonstrating a dominant performance at the line of scrimmage.

Ramil’s focus on giving maximum effort and playing with intensity reflects a broader team ethos that Smith and his staff are trying to instill. The importance of each rep and the commitment to executing plays correctly are central to the team’s aspirations. As the season progresses, the Spartans will need to continue developing their offensive line’s cohesion and effectiveness to achieve their goals.

However, Stanton Ramil’s journey to making his debut for Michigan State has been marked by perseverance and adaptation. The offensive line’s early struggles this season highlight the challenges of integrating new players and establishing a cohesive unit. As the Spartans prepare to face Prairie View A&M, the emphasis is on using their physical advantages to dominate the line of scrimmage and build a more effective run game. With a focus on consistency and physicality, Michigan State aims to overcome their early-season hurdles and set the stage for a successful season ahead.