The entire Michigan State defense was excellent last year, finishing tenth in the nation in total defense, and eighth in the country in scoring defense. But where the Spartans really dominated, was against the run, where they finished number one in the country, allowing just 77.92 rushing yards per game. That was more than 17 yards per game better than the next best team, and more than the gap between the number two and number 12 rushing defenses in the country.
Obviously, the MSU defensive line was a big reason for that dominance against the run. And it was quite dominant.