Michigan State vs Oregon: 5 takeaways from the Spartans’ win

Sep 12, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans cornerback Darian Hicks (2) and linebacker Darien Harris (45) celebrate after the Oregon Ducks have a turnover on downs during the fourth quarter at Spartan Stadium. The Spartans beat the Ducks 31-28. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

4. Secondary was improved

You can just look at the stats and say, “Wow, the secondary really isn’t that good this year,” but that wouldn’t be completely true. Michigan State’s defensive backs surrendered basically nothing down field and most of the passing attack was on short completions by Vernon Adams that were sprung for 10-plus yard gains.

Related: MSU vs. Oregon: Grading the Spartans’ performance

Adams did, however, pass for over 300 yards and a touchdown while completing 22-of-39 passes and throwing two interceptions.

It was released on Saturday morning, of course, that Adams was suffering from an apparent index finger injury that would cause him to throw with a glove on during the game Saturday night.

On deep balls, the Spartans played very well, intercepting two of about four passes that were thrown down the field, it seems. While that’s not an official number, that’s all I can really remember as one was a completion over the middle for about 15 yards and a first down and the other was a fourth down conversion inside the five on the sideline.

Vayante Copland once again proved he’s ready for the big stage and Montae Nicholson’s only knock is his tackling in the open field. Demetrious Cox is also showing promise while RJ Williamson has been OK.

Next: 3. Riley Bullough is a machine