Defense starting to come together for No. 21 Michigan State
Offensive struggles have been Michigan State’s biggest concern through three games. However, it appears as if the defense is starting to take on the look of another dominant unit.
The Spartans did give up a 65-yard touchdown catch in the second half of last week’s win at Indiana, but it was the only play allowed of 20 yards or more. And while No. 21 Michigan State continues to dominate against the run, it allowed 264 yards in passing, its best showing of the season, while intercepting a pair of passes and getting two fourth-down stops.
In other words, the Michigan State defense, despite a couple of injuries, is jelling quickly as the Spartans prepare to take on Central Michigan this week.
“The defense played very well,” Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio.
“We gave up one play over 20 yards, which is very difficult in modern-day football. We pressured the quarterback and basically had six sacks. We forced (the quarterback) out of the pocket many times and he was under duress. We stopped the run and made the game one-dimensional in that capacity.
“Then also two big fourth-down stops and out of a sudden change when they got the ball on the seven and ultimately we played extremely well. Gave up the one big play which we’re disappointed in, but it happened.”
The sudden change came when Michigan State held Indiana to a field goal after quarterback Brian Lewerke was intercepted at the MSU seven-yard line late in the third quarter. After an offensive pass interference nullified a touchdown, the Hoosiers had to settle for a field goal.
It’s the sign of a defense that doesn’t allow frustration to seep in despite some offensive struggles. Michigan State has had that with some of its past defenses, as well as being a force against the run. Moving the ball on the ground has always been a dicey proposition for opponents but it has been especially true this season. The Spartans (2-1, 1-0 Big Ten) allowed 29 yards rushing against the Hoosiers and limited freshman running back Stevie Scott to 18 yards on 11 carries after he ran for 204 two weeks ago.
“They were 3-0 and feeling good and rushed for like 200 yards the first three games,” linebacker Joe Bachie said. “We knew we had to stop the run and it’s something we pride ourselves on and we did a good job with that, so it was good to get the win.”
But stopping the run was expected from the Spartans. With a group of tackles like juniors Raequan Williams and Mike Panasiuk back along with Bachie in the middle, the unit that was second in the nation in run defense last season hasn’t missed a beat.
What was harder to predict was whether Michigan State would be able to pressure the quarterback. On Saturday, that part of the defense broke through as the Spartans were credited with four sacks and had Indiana’s Peyton Ramsey on the run for much of the game.
Williams, defensive end Kenny Willekes, linebacker Andrew Dowell and linebacker Brandon Bouyer-Randle were each credited with a sack though that number should have been higher as a strip-sack from Randle was credited simply as a forced fumble.
It’s the aspect of the defense that has been slow to come around the past two seasons.
“I thought the scheme was good and we brought people to the point of attack,” Dantonio said. “We’ve got good players up front and they not only hold their own but they can make big plays. Basically, all four defensive tackles have played well and been consistent … and Willekes played outstanding and was all over the place again.”
