PFF ranks Michigan State's top offensive players in Notre Dame matchup

Michigan State football endured their maiden defeat of the season, marking the inaugural loss under head coach Pat Fitzgerald, after a tough 27-10 setback to No. 3 Notre Dame on Saturday. Despite the narrow margin, the game showcased competitive intensity, propelling the Spartans toward enhancing their program. As Michigan State anticipates their next clash against Nebraska, the team's performance against Notre Dame warrants a retrospective.

The Michigan State offense displayed varied outcomes in this encounter, culminating in a paltry 167 yards and over 22 minutes of field time. When scrutinizing the tape and assessing the game, Pro Football Focus (subscription required) assigned grades for the Spartans' top offensive performers. Here are the top five: Quarterback Cam Fancher claimed the top spot with a grade of 84.0.

Fancher's versatility, utilizing his legs to inject spark into the Spartans' offense, proved beneficial. Left tackle Ben Murawski, an UConn transfer, delivered a standout performance. His defensive line resilience earned him a 80.4 pass block rating and 66.1 run block rating. Right tackle Rakeem Johnson, for the first time this season, delivered commendable grades.

Johnson's pass blocking grade of 69.6 and run blocking grade of 69.1 could signify momentum-building performances for the season. Wide receiver Rodney Bullard, a senior, contributed significantly with two catches for 66 yards, accounting for over half of the Spartans' receiving yards. Tight end Kai Rios, primarily utilized as a run blocker, also made a crucial catch on a pivotal third-down play, extending a scoring drive. As a secondary role contributor, Rios's performance solidifies his value to the MSU offense.