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Michigan State Football: Simeon Barrow, Jacob Slade will be a problem

By Connor Muldowney

Oct 2, 2021; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Western Kentucky Hilltoppers running back Adam Cofield (7) gets tackled by Michigan State Spartans linebacker Cal Haladay (27) and defensive tackle Jacob Slade (64) during the first quarter at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2021; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Western Kentucky Hilltoppers running back Adam Cofield (7) gets tackled by Michigan State Spartans linebacker Cal Haladay (27) and defensive tackle Jacob Slade (64) during the first quarter at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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The 2022 Michigan State football season kicks off on Friday night and we’ll get our first glimpse at the terrifying duo of Simeon Barrow and Jacob Slade.

Almost every Michigan State football position group has added depth this offseason, but the defensive side of the ball doesn’t get nearly the same amount of love as the offense.

And for good reason.

Michigan State’s defense struggled mightily last season, especially against the pass. The Spartans allowed well over 300 passing yards per game which ranked No. 130 in the nation so it’s easy to forget to give this side of the ball any credit, even though the defensive line played well.

The Spartans are losing Jacub Panasiuk and Drew Jordan up front, but they’re bringing in Khris Bogle and they also return one of the best interior defensive line duos in college football: Jacob Slade and Simeon Barrow.

Marco Coleman, the new defensive line coach, spoke highly of both of them last week, stating that they could be two of the best at their position in all of college football.

It’s hard not to trust the new coach because there’s no reason for him to stretch the truth.

Slade actually grades out as the second-best returning defensive lineman in the country, according to Pro Football Focus, and Barrow is coming off a career year as well. The two are going to wreak plenty of havoc on the interior, especially since they’re only getting stronger and more accustomed to starting roles.

Last year, Slade and Barrow combined for 74 total tackles, nine tackles for loss, and 5.5 sacks. They put up some incredible numbers on the interior and they’re only getting better.

The depth on the defensive line is also going to help these guys dominate as the ends will be better and even if one comes out, he’ll be replaced with another capable interior lineman. There will never be an instance where double-teaming is an easy option for the opponent.

Slade and Barrow are going to combine as one of the best interior duos in all of college football this season.

Next. Game-by-game predictions for MSU football. dark

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