Michigan State Football: 3 takeaways from massive upset of Michigan

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Oct 31, 2020; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Mel Tucker talks to referee in the first half against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

1. The Mel Tucker doubters look silly right now

I wouldn’t have cared about the final result in this one, Mel Tucker proved that he can coach in the Big Ten, keeping with Michigan for four quarters and arguably putting together a better game plan than Jim Harbaugh on the other side of the field.

Tucker’s team out-toughed the Wolverines for four quarters and this game felt a lot like the 2017 contest when the Spartans won 14-10.

Mark Dantonio prided himself on playing Michigan tough and always having his guys ready for the Wolverines no matter the records and there were doubts that Tucker would be able to do the same after losing to Rutgers in the opener.

Those doubts are now gone.

Tucker got the job done and he’s now 1-0 against his biggest rival, winning on the road in impressive fashion when no one expected him to do so.

It wasn’t pretty, but Michigan State got the job done and Tucker deserves plenty of credit.

Next. Ranking MSU's 2020 opponents by toughness. dark

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