Former Dowagiac standout and Michigan State coach Mark Staten was a finalist for the FootballScoop Offensive Line Coach of the Year presented by ProGrass.

The award was scheduled to be announced on Friday, but no winner has been released to the media as of today.

Also nominated were Alex Atkins, Georgia Southern; John Hevesy, Mississippi State; Alex Mirabal, Marshall; Ed Warinner, Ohio State and T.J. Woods, Wisconsin.

According to FootballScoop:

“Michigan State enjoyed its best offensive season under Mark Dantonio, and that’s thanks in large part to the big guys up front. Michigan State ranks 23rd nationally in rushing offense — up from 59th last season — and 18th in passing efficiency, up from 63rd. The Spartans also place fifth in sacks allowed and sixth in tackles for loss allowed. That’s a level of balance unmatched across college football this season.”

 

Key stats

• 6th in tackles for loss allowed (4.17)

• 5th in sacks allowed (0.83 per game)

• 23rd in rushing offense (234.9 yards per game)

• 9th in yards per attempt (8.8)

• 7th in scoring offense (up 46 spots from 2013)