Michigan State's biggest problem against Notre Dame was the play of its offensive line, especially after right tackle Skyler Burkland went down with an injury. He had to be carted off the field, and Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio confirmed on Monday that Burkland is out for the season.
↵It turns out Burkland suffered a broken bone near his left ankle, according to Joe Rexrode. Burkland had his leg rolled on by another player, and immediately he went down in pain. It's a really unfortunate injury, especially since Burkland is now going to have to miss the rest of the season.
↵Fou Fonoti, who transferred this year from a junior college to Michigan State, will likely step in as the new starter at right tackle.
↵↵↵"It kind of hurts, that's the way I'm getting in," Fonoti said. "Skyler's like my brother. To see my own brother on the ground in pain, to see tears coming from his eyes, that just hurts. That made me feel that was my own brother. I had to pick him up. I told him, 'Everything's going to be OK.' And he told us, 'Go get 'em.' "
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Michigan State will take on Central Michigan on Saturday. Next week, the Spartans will travel to Columbus to play Ohio State in their Big Ten opener.