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Michigan State Football: Report card for Notre Dame win

By Connor Muldowney

Sep 17, 2016; South Bend, IN, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Tyler O
Sep 17, 2016; South Bend, IN, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Tyler O /
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Sep 17, 2016; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver Equanimeous St. Brown (6) has pass broken up by Michigan State Spartans cornerback Vayante Copeland (13) during the second half a game at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver Equanimeous St. Brown (6) has pass broken up by Michigan State Spartans cornerback Vayante Copeland (13) during the second half a game at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /

DEFENSIVE BACKS. C. . DB. Last Week: N/A

This was one of the more frustrating position groups to grade. Again, the coaching staff could have made the difference between the defensive backs getting a ‘B’ or a ‘C’ but the soft play in the fourth quarter made it the latter.

Harlon Barnett, questionably, went to a prevent look with very soft coverage early in the fourth quarter and even late in the third, making Kizer feel much more at ease with short and intermediate routes. He had just over 150 passing yards in the first half, thanks to some big plays near the end of the second quarter which didn’t even result in a score.

Darian Hicks was switching in and out with Tyson Smith on a regular basis and neither truly got burned deep, but did allow a few short throws to turn into some big gainers. Hicks and Smith limited deep shots, though, for the most part.

Vayante Copland had his worst game yet. Although the coverage calls were the issue by Barnett, Copeland found himself out of position a couple of times and even got flagged for a big pass interference late in the game that led to a scoring drive. If he can keep his head on a swivel and stop being so aggressive when the ball is in the air, the Spartans will be just fine at corner.

Monte Nicholson and Demetrious Cox also played decent, but nothing extremely impressive from either one. Both stepped up in the run a few times and made some nice, hard tackles.

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