Michigan State vs Oregon: 5 reasons the Spartans will win

Sep 20, 2014; East Lansing, MI, USA; Eastern Michigan Eagles running back Ryan Brumfield (22) gets tackled by Michigan State Spartans linebacker Chris Frey (23) and defensive back Montae Nicholson (9) during the fourth quarter at Spartan Stadium. Spartans beat the Eagles 73-14. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

5. Improved tackling

Let’s face it, tackling in week one wasn’t the best facet of the game for the Spartans. In fact, it was one of the worst performances by a Spartan defense in terms of tackling in recent memory. Michigan State just couldn’t get a firm grasp on the Broncos in the week one victory.

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Darien Harris, Riley Bullough and a mixture of linebackers and defensive backs couldn’t pull off the simple task of wrapping up and bringing down the ball carrier.

It was hard to watch, sometimes cringe-worthy, but the Spartans will get their acts together for Saturday night’s game and I’m sure Coach D drilled tackling in practice all week long. It was an unacceptable sight last week to see the arm tackles and missed opportunities throughout the game.

Michigan State will go back to its old ways of hard-nosed, intense defensive pressure and there will be plenty of blitzes on throughout the game and I’d be shocked if the tackling wasn’t improved completely by the primetime contest against the Ducks.

If Michigan State can improve even a little bit, the advantage will be on the side of the Spartans. Michigan State will swarm the ball no matter what, they will just need to capitalize on it.

Next: 4. Connor Cook