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Michigan State Football: Report card for first half of 2017 season

By Connor Muldowney

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 14: Kenny Willekes #48 of the Michigan State Spartans recovers a fumble as quarterback Conor Rhoda #15 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers tackles him during the first quarter of the game on October 14, 2017 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 14: Kenny Willekes #48 of the Michigan State Spartans recovers a fumble as quarterback Conor Rhoda #15 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers tackles him during the first quarter of the game on October 14, 2017 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – OCTOBER 14: Tyler Johnson #6 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers carries the ball for a touchdown against Josiah Scott #22 of the Michigan State Spartans during the fourth quarter of the game on October 14, 2017 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Spartans defeated the Gophers 30-27. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – OCTOBER 14: Tyler Johnson #6 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers carries the ball for a touchdown against Josiah Scott #22 of the Michigan State Spartans during the fourth quarter of the game on October 14, 2017 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Spartans defeated the Gophers 30-27. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

A-. . DB. Michigan State. DEFENSIVE BACKS

Is the ‘No Fly Zone’ back? It’s way too early to tell, but it sure looks like it’s on the horizon. Michigan State’s defensive backfield is playing much like it did in 2012-13 when it was one of the best in college football. It veered off a bit in 2014, but still had stars like Trae Waynes, Tony Lippett (occasionally) and RJ Williamson patrolling the secondary.

The secondary seems to have the right pieces in place to make a major resurgence. First off, there’s Khari Willis and David Dowell standing out in the secondary. Both of those guys seem to be playing well each week and leading tackle leaderboards.

Dowell took over for Matt Morrissey as the starter and has 19 tackles, two interceptions and three pass deflections. He’s breaking out as a redshirt sophomore. Willis has 36 tackles, a sack, two pass deflections and an interception. Both are strong in the deepest part of the secondary.

At cornerback, there seems to be a wealth of talent. However, freshman Josiah Scott and sophomore Justin Layne lead the way. Scott has been one of the Big Ten’s breakout talents and Layne has improved in just about every metric. Both have become somewhat lockdown-esque.

Add in Tyson Smith and Josh Butler and you have a strong group of corners.

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