EAST LANSING – Malik McDowell stood head and shoulder above Michigan State’s defensive line, both physically and in terms of production, Friday night.
Also because he was one of the few recognizable names and numbers.
The eighth-ranked Spartans used just seven players between defensive end and tackle in their 28-13 season-opening win over Furman.
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Two of them were making their collegiate debut, two others played for different schools a year ago, and one has received minimal defensive snaps in his first four seasons at MSU.