Michigan State Football: Grading the Spartans in non-conference play

Sep 12, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans safety Rj Williamson (26) celebrates goal line stand against the Oregon Ducks during the 1st half of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Secondary: D

The offensive consistency has been a problem but it is still scoring at least of 30 points a game. The biggest problem this season has undoubtedly been the secondary. What started off as promising has since gone down rapidly with the injury to Vayante Copeland, who is out for the year.

Must Read: MSU vs. Purdue: 5 players who need to step up

Vayante was on his way to looked like a coming out party, but a broken vertebra has ended his season. The Spartans are looking for a corner to step into his vacated role to play across from Demetrious Cox. It appears that the early leaders are Arjen Colquhoun and Darian Hicks.

R.J. Williamson has played well in his strong safety role, helping in run support and always being around the ball, coming up with timely turnovers. His counterpart, however, has not lived up to the potential that was expected of him.

Coming out of camp Montae Nicholson was expected to be one of the best players on the defense, this has not been the case. Due to missed tackles, poor angles, and blown coverages, Nicholson was replaced by Cox in his safety role during the Central Michigan game

The pass defense cannot continue to be ranked 107th in the country — this will not get it done as the competition stiffens. The ideal situation for Michigan State is for Nicholson to come into form allowing Cox to stay in his corner role with someone stepping up and playing at a championship grade.

Next: Special Teams