Michigan State Football: 5 takeaways from first half of 2017 season

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – OCTOBER 14: Nate Wozniak #80 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers tackles Khari Willis #27 of the Michigan State Spartans after an interception as head coach P.J. Fleck of the Minnesota Golden Gophers looks on during the second quarter of the game on October 14, 2017 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

3. The defense is 2013-esque

This might be slightly premature seeing as the 2013 defense was one of the best in school history, but Michigan State has been one of the best in the country this season. In fact, the Spartans rank eighth against the run, 12th against the pass and fifth in total yards allowed in the nation.

While that 2013 defense was as stingy as anyone in the country that year, the Spartans are beginning to get that grit and toughness back which was lost after Pat Narduzzi left following the 2014 season. The secondary is playing well, the line is getting pressure on opposing quarterbacks and the linebackers are plugging running lanes.

Kenny Willekes is playing like a Marcus Rush-type of pass rusher at defensive end. An unheralded recruit and former walk-on, Willekes leads the line in sacks with three — all coming in the past two games. He also has 31 total tackles.

Joe Bachie looks like Max Bullough in the middle and Chris Frey is a strong blitzing linebacker like Denicos Allen. David Dowell is excellent in coverage like Kurtis Drummond and Khari Willis likes to hit people like RJ Williamson. Josiah Scott looks like a young Darqueze Dennard and Justin Layne is just as effective, like Trae Waynes was.

Is this defense as good as 2013’s? Not just yet, but it has the potential to be.

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