Michigan State Football: 5 takeaways from Central Michigan win

Sep 26, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Central Michigan Chippewas wide receiver Anthony Rice (80) is defended by Michigan State Spartans defensive back Demetrious Cox (7) during the 2nd half of a game at Spartan Stadium. MSU won 30-10. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

1. MSU secondary plays down to opponents

If there’s one thing we learned after the first four games of the season and throughout the non-conference schedule, it’s that Michigan State’s secondary has been playing down to its inferior opponents — see: Air Force, Central Michigan and Western Michigan.

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To start the year, Michigan State’s secondary has played pitifully. However, I refuse to believe that with all the talent this group has, they’re nothing more than mediocre. I don’t buy that this is how good the secondary can be and that this is their ceiling. Just not buying it; too much talent.

Western Michigan quarterback Zach Terrell was able to do whatever he wanted against the secondary in week one, throwing for over 300 yards and keeping the game close. Vayante Copeland shined, though.

Oregon did what Oregon does, but the Spartans didn’t let up any deep balls, so the secondary looked much-improved against the Ducks’ pass-first offense.

Air Force basically threw the ball up in the air nine times and six were to completely wide open receivers. The defensive backs fell asleep and allowed receivers to get behind them because they were expecting a run every time.

Lastly, Cooper Rush of Central Michigan also did whatever he wanted against MSU through the air, gashing the Spartans for nearly 300 yards on 26-of-39 completions.

With guys like Montae Nicholson, R.J. Williamson and Demetrious Cox in this group, there’s no way the talent is lacking. I would expect these guys to improve drastically as the season progresses, but they have definitely played down to their competition.

Next: Big Ten Football Power Rankings: Week 5 edition

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