Michigan State Football: Report card for the Spartans win over Maryland

Sep 12, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans cornerback Darian Hicks (2) and linebacker Darien Harris (45) celebrate after the Oregon Ducks have a turnover on downs during the fourth quarter at Spartan Stadium. The Spartans beat the Ducks 31-28. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Secondary/Linebackers: A

Finally, a complete performance by these groups, which I know was against the worst team in the Big Ten, but you have to start somewhere. Hopefully this game is a confidence builder and each position groups can build off of this success.

Darien Harris is playing the best football of his Spartan career. He is everywhere on the field, making tackles sideline to sideline and covering in space, his performance this season has definitely been underappreciated.

Riley Bullough was able to haul in an interception and take it to the house to provide some breathing room when the Spartans needed it most.

Despite an early drive where it looked like the status quo, with the Terps passing at will against the Spartans the secondary held their own. Getting Darien Hicks back on the field was a big deal as he was able to take over a corner position and put Demetrious Cox back at safety, his best position.

Monte Nicholson put together another solid game and has hopefully now turned the corner. The secondary is still far from world beaters and will most certainly give up big plays against Ohio State, it is inevitable unfortunately. However, if they can get the defensive line to help them out with pressure as they did this week, making a play or two is not out of the question as it was last week where they couldn’t catch a cold.

Next: Special Teams