Michigan State Football: Report card for tight win over Indiana in Week 7

BLOOMINGTON, IN - OCTOBER 16: Members of the Michigan State Spartans defense celebrate with Cal Haladay #27 of the Michigan State Spartans after an interception returned for a touchdown against the Indiana Hoosiers at Indiana University on October 16, 2021 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

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Oct 16, 2021; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Indiana Hoosiers running back Stephen Carr (5) is tackled by Michigan State Spartans linebacker Cal Haladay (27) during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports /

Linebackers: B+

It was yet another solid day for the Spartan linebackers, but there were a few instances when they stepped up to plug the same hole and Indiana broke off a big run because of it. I get that they both want to make plays, but when there’s misdirection, it’s better than there’s one guy remaining at home. The Hoosiers found some big holes all afternoon.

Quavaris Crouch did put up some numbers, leading the team with 13 total tackles and a pass breakup. Not only did he lead Michigan State in tackles, he was the only player on either side to record more than 10 takedowns on Saturday. He continues to improve.

Cal Haladay is so fun to watch. He is always in the right place at the right time and he doesn’t miss many tackles or misdiagnose many plays. He did the latter on a couple of occasions but still finished with seven tackles and a huge pick-six in the first half to get Michigan State on the board.

Outside of those two guys, the Spartans didn’t get a ton of production. Noah Harvey and Ben VanSumeren saw some action, but both combined for just one tackle.

That pick-six by Haladay was an absolute game-changer.

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