The Michigan State defense has been hit by injuries early but still managed to excel. They had their own FCS shutout last weekend, and have already logged 13 sacks in just three games. Tack on five takeaways, two touchdowns along with a safety, and you can see that this group will be very competitive and give a good effort having carried the team through this hot start.
The hardest hit room has been the secondary with three starters out already. Still playing is senior CB Charles Brantley who has two interceptions on the year already, including a 100-yard return to make it two scores for his career (a second one last week was called back due to penalty too). Brantley has been the defensive MVP of the team.
The other corner position is/was held by Arizona transfer Ed Woods, who stepped in for the injured starter. Even against Prairie View, he was picked on for big gains and eventually yanked. I’m sure he’ll still see snaps seeing as he started the previous game and is a vet, but BC should look to test him whenever he’s on the field.
Senior linebackers Jordan Turner and Cal Haladay have been running around plenty making impact plays and tackles. Haladay was the leading tackle man for the past few seasons, while Turner comes in from Wisconsin, along with a wave of other folks in the front seven. Turner has shown good discipline and instinct and tied for the lead with 19 tackles.
Up front, they’ve been very stout against the run so far allowing just 2.8 yds/carry against Maryland and FAU. This will be the first strong rushing attack they face if BC can bounce back from what they showed against Mizzou. It’s a deep unit that rotates players in and stay fresh. They’ll be a good, even matchup physically for the BC offensive line. The Spartans lead the conference with 27 tackles for loss and 11 sacks. Edge rusher Khris Bogle leads the way with 2.5 sacks and has been very effective against the run as well cleaning up plays and setting the edge — critical if/when Tommy looks to move.
This seems like the overall matchup to watch in this one. Can BC’s offense avoid the lulls in possession experienced last week? Will the BC run game get back to what they showed against FSU?
One last note for special teams we’ll squeeze in; kicker Jonathan Kim has hit from 50, but missed one extra point last weekend.