The Illinois transfer anchored a dominant interior defensive line against Toledo, proving his physical presence can stifle rushing attacks while setting a disciplined standard for the Spartan trenches.
The 6-foot-6, 287-pound defensive tackle transferred to Michigan State this year from Illinois, and Eli Coenen is already showing why he could be an important piece of the Spartans' defense.
Coenen is a monster of a man who seems to have no problem filling gaps and suffocating opposing running games. That was put on full display Friday night against Toledo.
In the Spartans' first game of the season, Michigan State's rushing defense was impressive for most of the night. The Spartans allowed 20 rushing attempts for 77 yards, but one rush stood above the rest.
For Toledo, it was a huge play. For Michigan State, it served as a reminder that every play matters.
That one play was a 71-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, when Toledo's Connor Walendzak grabbed the ball, sprinted through the interior defensive line and beat the remaining defenders to the end zone.
Take away that one run, and the Rockets rushed 19 times for just six yards.
A lot of that success came from the play of Coenen and the rest of the defensive line.
To start the game, Coenen and Ben Roberts were being picked apart to a degree the Spartans weren't prepared for. But after the first series, it became clear the defensive tackles up front had settled in and started solidifying their areas.
Coenen finished the game with three total tackles and a sack. It was one of two sacks for the Spartans, who consistently applied pressure to Toledo's quarterback even if they weren't always able to bring him down.
The Spartans are going to live through their trenches on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball.
When it comes to the defensive side, the trenches require a lot more work than the casual eye might see. The statistics may show tackles and sacks, but some of the most important work done by a defensive tackle doesn't always show up in the box score.
Stopping an opposing team from rushing 19 times for six yards is an unbelievable number.
Unfortunately for Michigan State, the 71-yard touchdown run keeps that number from telling the entire story.
The Spartans will need to find a way to play every snap with the same level of discipline and physicality without allowing one mistake to turn into a massive play.
That's where the defensive line will need to continue doing its job.
And with Eli Coenen anchoring the interior trenches, there is plenty of reason for Michigan State fans to be excited about what this defensive front can become throughout the season.
