Michigan State vs Oregon: 5 players who deserve the game ball

Sep 12, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Oregon Ducks running back Royce Freeman (21) gets tackled by Michigan State Spartans cornerback Vayante Copeland (13) during the fourth quarter at Spartan Stadium. The Spartans beat the Ducks 31-28. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

I can’t show enough praise for this redshirt freshman cornerback. Vayante Copeland continues to impress as he was targeted very little on the deep ball on Saturday night. In fact, he played such great coverage on Oregon’s receivers that Adams had a tough time even attempting a deep pass.

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During the offseason and fall ball, Mark Dantonio, as well as a couple of teammates, made the lofty comparison of Copeland to former Spartan great Darqueze Dennard. Both guys’ toughness and physicality in the secondary are what make them similar, according to the head coach.

Watching him play through two games has been a treat as he’s been making receivers look uncomfortable, halting routes and jamming guys at the line with ease. Other than a late-game injury that forced him out in the fourth quarter, Copeland’s play against Oregon was second to none.

What else has impressed me about the young cornerback? His open-field tackling was the most consistent of any defensive back in week two. While other guys were slipping off Oregon ball-carriers, Copeland wrapped up and made some clutch tackles. He even showed his strength by taking down the bruising Royce Freeman head-on in the open field.

Next: 3. Aaron Burbridge