Michigan State Football: What worked and what didn’t 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

Defensive backs

The defensive backfield featured two true freshmen safeties for the second straight game. They continue to have their growing pains (see Nate Sudfeld’s touchdown against Khari Willis in the second quarter), but are also gaining some confidence.

Grayson Miller recorded his first career interception on the first play of the game. Miller also had six tackles to lead the Spartans in tackling — along with linebacker Jon Reschke and fellow defensive back Demetrious Cox.

Cox manned one corner and Arjen Colquhoun and Jermaine Edmondson split time at the other corner. Montae Nicholson came off of the bench and played in the nickel defense. He seemed to feel more comfortable as the game progressed.

What worked: Colquhoun and Edmondson

It became clear very early that Indiana quarterback Nate Sudfeld is very talented quarterback. Talented quarterbacks tend to burn MSU corners who aren’t up to snuff. Given Arjen Colquhoun and Jermaine Edmondson’s performances to date, it looked like a bad combo.

However, Colquhoun and Edmondson held up very well throughout the game. They were rarely out of position and were not burned all game. If they can build on this performance heading into Ohio State in four weeks, it might not be the nightmare scenario Spartan fans fear.

What didn’t: Demetrious Cox early

Demetrious Cox was getting picked on early in the game. It seemed that Sudfeld was going after him every other pass play. Cox was playing outside technique in a Cover-2 Zone when his inside help — safety Khari Willis — wasn’t there to help and Indiana scored a 37-yard touchdown for the last score before the half.

That particular play wasn’t on Cox, but he would get lit up on the Indiana’s first drive of the second half. To his credit, he was not burned again the rest of the game and even led the team in pass break-ups with two.

Cox has had to play two positions this year and safety is probably his best. Unfortunately, he’s also probably the best option MSU has at corner right now. He will have to step up his technique in the last few games so that he can have two solid halves instead of just one.

Next: Special Teams