Michigan State vs Purdue: 5 potential breakout players

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Sep 26, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Central Michigan Chippewas wide receiver Anthony Rice (80) runs for yards after a catch against Michigan State Spartans safety Montae Nicholson (9) during the 2nd half of a game at Spartan Stadium. MSU won 30-10. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Montae Nicholson is in a bit of a sophomore slump at the safety position for the Spartans despite being quite possibly the most talented playing in the MSU defensive backfield.

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Spartan coaches know what he needs to improve on, and aren’t shy to mention just what that is, according to Matt Charboneau of The Detroit News.

"“Attention to detail (and) discipline,” [Mike] Tressel said of things Nicholson needs to improve. “Things in the back end, a lot of times, it’s about eye control. Making sure you are looking where you are supposed to be looking, which isn’t always the guy that’s holding the football. Our entire defense is working on leveraging the football, which plays into open-field tackling. He is such a talent that he needs to hold himself to a very high standard. We are trying to help him hold himself to that high standard.”"

Nicholson, himself, knows that he has a lot to work on, and he is willing to start this week.

"“I’ve had to step back and re-evaluate myself,” Nicholson said. “I’ve watched myself on film a lot and I know what I need to do better.”"

Expect Montae to actually show his talent in this one against Purdue.

Next: 5 reasons 5-star SF Miles Bridges will commit to Michigan State

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