EAST LANSING – Yes, Mark Dantonio mentioned senior center Jack Allen could play tackle if needed and has done so in practice — but no, Allen won't be out there Saturday against Purdue.
"I go out there and goof around," Allen said of his practice experimentation.
There should be a new face at left tackle, though, when No. 2 Michigan State (4-0) welcomes Purdue (1-3) for Saturday's homecoming game and Big Ten opener. Dantonio eased fears this week that starter Jack Conklin might be lost for the season with a knee injury he suffered Saturday against Central Michigan, but Conklin looked like a guy who will need some healing time as he shuffled along the sideline in a brace.