Every college football team has been affected by the cancellation of spring football. Some teams are feeling the loss of those 15 practices a little more than others.

Michigan State, with a brand new coaching staff taking over in February, is a team that will likely be hurt significantly from the loss of spring practices. With new coaches, schemes and styles coming into East Lansing, players could’ve used the spring months to get acquainted with all the new intricacies a staff brings.

That won’t be the case. Like everyone else, Michigan State players and coaches are forced to meet using video apps, study film from home and figure out ways to stay in shape. It’s a lot easier said than done, but the Spartans are finding ways to improve.

Offensive lineman Matt Allen is trying to make the most of the situation, getting as much work in as he possibly can right now while at home.

“This is definitely a tough situation,” Allen said, according to Chris Solari of the Detroit Free Press. The MSU offensive lineman also said he’s taking things “one day at a time” and is preparing as if the 2020 college football season will continue as planned.

What does that mean? Well, for Allen, it means working with his brother and former Spartan Jack Allen. Matt says he’s working with his older brother to help with his run blocking and get better in other areas while away from East Lansing.

“I hope he doesn’t get tired of me,” Allen said.

Allen is attempting to make the best of the situation right now, and admits that the coaching staff has kept he and his teammates motivated while away from team activities. The new staff has “lit a fire” under players, motivating them to prepare like the starting job is on the line.

It creates a sense of urgency, even while at home. It’s not all positives, though. As much as Allen is looking at the positives, he also admits that attempting to learn new lingo, schemes and cadences has been a little difficult.

“It’s like learning a new language,” Allen said. “At least for me.”

Michigan State is scheduled to open the 2020 season against Northwestern on Sept. 5.