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

By Connor Muldowney

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)
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 wide receiver Miles Marshall (13) misses a pass in front of Michigan State Spartans cornerback Chester Kimbrough (12) during the second half at Memorial Stadium. Spartans win 20-15. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2021; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Miles Marshall (13) misses a pass in front of Michigan State Spartans cornerback Chester Kimbrough (12) during the second half at Memorial Stadium. Spartans win 20-15. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports /

Secondary: A-

This was actually the first time this year that I came away more than impressed with Michigan State’s secondary. Usually, it’s been because of the scheme as Scottie Hazelton has his defensive backs playing off the ball, but after some early soft coverage, the Spartans were playing some press in the second half.

Michael Penix was out for this one which helped because he’s as talented as any quarterback in the league despite his rough season, but many believe Jack Tuttle is a better passer.

The former four-star quarterback who transferred to Indiana from Utah was finding his rhythm early on, but struggled mightily late. The Spartans were shutting down the pass and he needed a whopping 52 attempts to total 188 yards. Yes, that’s a 3.6 yards per attempt average.

Michigan State also picked Tuttle off twice — once by Cal Haladay and another by Darius Snow in the second half.

The Spartans also finished with eight pass deflections, two each for Ronald Williams Jr. and Chester Kimbrough as they are showing that they’re the top options at corner.

Defensive backs like Snow, Michael Dowell, Angelo Grose, and Xavier Henderson were all productive and it looks and feels like they’re really starting to come together.

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