Michigan State Football: Report card against Indiana

Oct 24, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive back Demetrious Cox (7) reacts to defensive stop against the Indiana Hoosiers during the 2nd half of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Linebackers/Secondary: C-

The linebackers help to bring this grade up. Jon Reschke, Darien Harris and Riley Bullough all played solid games. The spread offense that Indiana plays puts a lot of pressure on linebacking units to play in coverage, tackle in space and still handle their duties in the run game.

Reschke and Harris had several key pass breakups and played very well when being forced to play out near the sidelines, away from their comfort zones. Bullough kept the defense in check, having them in the right position which is no easy task against a spread team that plays at tempo.

The secondary, however, was another story. This grade at the end of the third quarter was an F. There was miscommunication which lead to blown coverages and 25-second scoring drives of over 70 yards. It didn’t appear as though they were going to be able to even slow down Sudfeld and the passing game.

In the fourth quarter they did step their game up, led by Demetrious Cox who was picked on a lot in the first half. The Indiana offense will put a lot of pressure on anyone, especially an inexperienced and struggling secondary. I’ll give them credit as they made adjustments and put their foot in the ground to get crucial stops and hold the offense to only six second half points.

Next: Special Teams