Michigan State recruits, rebuilds, and refines defense to fix sack shortage

EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State defensive coordinator Joe Rossi didn’t need analytics and a deep dive into film study to identify that the Spartans need help in the pass rush. Michigan State finished tied for No. 111 in the nation with only 19 sacks last year. The Spartans didn’t sack an opposing quarterback for six straight games.  “It’s a huge emphasis,” Rossi said after practice on Tuesday. “We’ve seen some growth this camp, and it's going to continue to be an emphasis.” When asked if he’s confident it will be better this year, Rossi smiled and was careful not to over-promise. “We're working on it being better,” he said. “And listen, I'm not judging anything. There's no guarantees. I like where we're at, and I see the guys working and getting better. And so I believe in the guys, and I believe in the staff, and I believe in the coaches.” Building up the pass rush has been a longer-term project for Rossi and second-year head coach Jonathan Smith. Rossi is implementing a three-down lineman system with a stand-up “EDGE” player at one of the defensive end positions. Rossi likes for that player to have some height, and also the agility to occasionally drop into pass coverage. “We kind of remade that room,” Rossi said. “When we kind of came in, it was a position that really wasn't here.” (More inside SpartanMag.)