UCLA’s disruptive defense poses problems for MSU’s offensive line – The State News

UCLA’s disruptive defense poses problems for MSU’s offensive line  The State News

Michigan State football's offensive line faces its toughest challenge yet against No. 9 UCLA on the road. MSU will need to utilize its offensive versatility to prevent major mistakes against a turnover-hungry defense. Northwestern University senior defensive lineman Michael Kilbane (47) strips the ball from Michigan State sophomore quarterback Alessio Milivojevic (11) during the game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Mich., on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 No. 9 UCLA thrives on taking advantage of opponents’ mistakes. The Bruins have built a plus-10 turnover margin en route to their undefeated 6-0 start. It’s a stark difference from Michigan State football’s negative-5 turnover margin, which ranks 120th nationally. The disparity is another clear example of the Spartans’ inability to find consistency in all three phases.

MSU must protect the football if it wants any opportunity to pull off a road upset against a top-10 team across the country. The Bruins have forced 19 turnovers through six weeks, including 10 interceptions. They rank second and fifth nationally in those categories, respectively. UCLA suffocates offenses, and it starts between the trenches. “This week will be a tremendous challenge,” offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan said. “Obviously, they do a ton up front; they create a lot of communication, a lot of pressure, a lot of movement.” UCLA’s ability to generate pressure puts added responsibility on