It’s up front that counts when MSU O-line meets OSU D-line

EAST LANSING – They’re anonymous by comparison to their smaller, faster, flashier teammates, and maybe that’s why offensive linemen like nicknames so much.

Michigan State has a “Hogs” formation — nine blockers on the field along with the quarterback and running back, with a guard lining up at tight end. That guard is the “Hog” in the formation, and this season it’s Brandon Clemons. MSU’s class of 2012 linemen have been dubbed “The Meat Squad” by line coach Mark Staten — Jack (Meatball) Conklin, Kodi (Meat Stick) Kieler, Benny (Meatloaf) McGowan and Zach (Pork Chop) Higgins.

And Conklin, the Spartans’ emerging sophomore star at left tackle, is part of another group with a fancy moniker this season. A group of two with senior left guard Travis Jackson.

“We call ourselves ‘The Wolf Pack,’ ” Jackson said. “We asked the rest of the O-line, and they said, ‘Oh, that’s stupid.’ So it’s just us two.” - Read more at Freep.com