By Jeremy Harness

 

If Michigan State has any hopes of going toe-to-toe with Stanford in the trenches when the Cardinal have the ball, those hopes took a major hit late Wednesday night.

 

That’s because the Spartans’ starting middle linebacker and team captain, Max Bullough, was found to have violated team rules and has been suspended for the Rose Bowl, according to a school press release.

 

“It is extremely disappointing for all parties involved,” Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio said through a statement that was released Wednesday night. “We will stay focused and close ranks as we prepare for Stanford on January 1 in the Rose Bowl.

 

“Max will forever remain a Spartan and valued member in this team’s achievements.”

 

The loss is especially big for Michigan State, since while he is the team’s leading tackler and has started at middle linebacker for the past three seasons, Bullough, a senior, is considered the unquestioned leader of the team, known for his passionate team speeches before games.

 

He is also responsible for making sure the rest of the defense, which is currently ranked No. 1 in the country heading into this Rose Bowl, is in proper alignment before every snap.

 

Bullough’s backup is listed as fellow senior Kyler Elsworth. However, Elsworth has not played very many snaps on defense this year, and he obviously has big shoes to fill as the Spartans prepare to face a vaunted Stanford attack that relies heavily on the running game and controlling the line of scrimmage, something that Bullough figured to have a big hand in Wednesday afternoon.