Here are five takeaways from Michigan State’s 23-6 season-opener victory against Western Michigan.
Power Football
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The Spartans’ offensive line dominated the trenches, especially in the first half opening up wide running lanes. MSU displayed an ‘old school,’ power football style while utilizing three running backs throughout the game.
Sophomore running back Makhi Fraizer showed good vison, burst and physicality as he finished the game with 104 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries. Fraizer was the starting running back.
Sophomore running back Brandon Tullis displayed good power and vision on his seven carries for 52 yards and a touchdown.
Senior running back Elijah Tau-Tolliver had eight carries in the fourth quarter but saw limited success.
Dominant Defense
The Spartans didn’t allow the Broncos to score while only giving up 217 total yards.
The Spartans’ upperclassmen stood out as playmakers including junior line backer Jordan Hall and senior defensive back Malik Spencer.
Hall routinely put pressure on the Bronco’s quarterbacks and made plays in the backfield, finishing with 7 total tackles and a sack.
Spencer made some key tackles along the perimeter and got pressure on the quarterbacks, finishing with 5 total tackles and a sack.
Improved Receiver Room
It was expected for sophomore receiver Nick Marsh to have a solid outing and he did, finishing with 5 receptions, 32 yards and a touchdown. Marsh showed good hands and physicality as he hauled in a redzone touchdown with a defender draped all over him. Marsh also proved to be a physical runner, capable of running over defenders.
Senior receiver Omari Kelly emerged as a solid weapon in the passing game finishing with 7 receptions for 75 yards. The transfer from Middle Tennesee found himself open several times throughout the game and made a couple tough catches near the boundaries.
The addition of another prominent threat in the passing game will be beneficial to Chiles as he gains rhythm over the course of the season.
Building Identity
From the run heavy style of the Spartans’ offense, to the gritty and tough defensive style of the defense, it’s evident that Head Coach Jonathan Smith wants to impose a physical style of play on both sides of the ball.
The Spartans lacked an overall identity in the past season and this game showed a trend in the right direction as a physical team.
Mistakes Must Be Fixed
Even though the Spartans started the season with a win, there was more to be desired from the team’s performance.
Aidan Chiles struggled to find a rhythm in the passing game in the second half and held the ball for too long on a few plays, which led to 4 sacks and a fumble-turnover.
The Spartans offense was responsible for the Broncos’ only score of the game as sophomore quarterback Alessio Milivojevic threw a pick-six late in the fourth quarter.
The Spartans had five penalties for 35 yards. The majority of those penalties were on the offensive side of the ball.
The defense pitched a shutout throughout the game but WMU had success moving the ball in the passing game at times.
The Spartans made some mistakes throughout the game, which can be expected for the first game of the season. The team’s overall performance could’ve been better but the mistakes are fixable.