3 Takeaways: Michigan State Flexes Team Depth In Win Over CMU
A slow first half turned into a dominating second as Michigan State won its season-opener against Central Michigan, 31-7, on Friday night in East Lansing.
Head coach Mel Tucker said the Spartans had to work through “jitters” in the first half, but was happy with his team’s ability to stay composed and overcome adversity. With plenty of transfers and young players getting their first start for the Green and White, here were three things that stood out in the Spartans’ win.
1.) MSU’s Defensive Backs Were Physical and Rotated Positions
Michigan State’s trio of sophomore defensive backs – Malik Spencer, Jaden Mangham and Dillion Tatum – made some outstanding plays. The group combined for 20 total tackles, with Spencer leading the DBs with nine – second-most on the team. Nickelback Angelo Grose added six tackles and looked improved in the pass defense. Returning starting cornerback Charles Brantley and transfer safety Armorion Smith contributed on the back end as well.
All six of these players showed they are hard hitters and will contribute in run defense. Defensive coordinator Scottie Hazelton moved Spencer to linebacker on passing down situations, which showed to be effective against the Chippewas. Smith adds depth at safety which allows Hazelton to move guys at that position around to meet situations.
While Michigan State’s pass defense looks much improved against CMU, we won’t know how big of a step the Spartans have taken in that area until they play a better opponent, such as Washington in Week 3.
2.) Spartans’ Offense Utilizes Full Depth Chart
Tucker and his staff talked all offseason about the depth of this 2023 team. Halfway through the fourth quarter, the offense had played 23 different guys, including 10 offensive linemen. O-line coach Chris Kapalovic finally has a healthy line with good depth, which he has eluded MSU over the last three seasons. Nine players caught a pass from quarterback Noah Kim, including two sophomore wide receivers in Jaron Glover and Tyrell Henry. Both of those guys came up with big plays on Friday night.
Michigan State’s rotation of players will slow as the season progresses and competition increases, but the trust the staff showed in the players they’ve developed proves the depth Tucker and Co. have raved about. These young guys who received snaps in Week 1 have multiple years of eligibility left, which is promising for the future. In Year 4 of Tucker’s tenure, players he’s recruited are coming along.
3.) Michigan State’s Pass Rush Shows Up
The Spartans held Central Michigan to 123 rushing yards, but more importantly they held the Chippewas to 96 passing yards. Michigan State didn’t allow a play longer than 17 yards, which is inspiring for the whole defense. MSU has allowed explosive plays – runs of over 12 yards, completions of over 20 yards – at too high a rate in Tucker’s tenure. That didn’t happen on Friday.
A big part of why the pass defense was so much better was the pressure Michigan State generated up front. The Spartans were in the backfield for much of the game, finishing with three sacks and being credited with three more quarterback hurries. The pressure on one play led to a tipped ball and an interception for linebacker Cal Haladay.
Michigan State’s interior defensive line ate up blocks in the run game, and the Spartans got pressure up the middle on passing downs from those guys as well. MSU kept the defensive line fresh by rotating Jalen Sami, Simeon Barrow, Derrick Harmon and Maverick Hansen at tackle, and even moving defensive end Zion Young here and there. Credit to Hazelton for moving around a lot of players to give CMU’s offense different looks.
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