Michigan State Football: Report card for season-opening win over WMU

3 of 7

Sep 2, 2022; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans linebacker Ben VanSumeren (13) and Michigan State Spartans safety Angelo Grose (15) tackle Western Michigan Broncos running back Sean Tyler (9) for a loss in the first quarter at Spartan Stadium during their game against Western Michigan University. Mandatory Credit: Dale Young-USA TODAY Sports /

Linebackers: A-

I was really impressed with the linebackers in the 22-point win.

But one linebacker really stood out above the rest and I honestly didn’t think I’d even be talking about him much this season: Ben VanSumeren. The senior linebacker looked to have turned a corner and he had arguably the best defensive night from anyone not named Jacoby Windmon. He led the team with 11 tackles and he had 0.5 tackles for loss. He was all over the field.

Cal Haladay also had a good game and he did so quietly. He finished with 10 tackles and was just doing exactly what he did all of last year. He’s consistent but he’ll never be too flashy.

Aaron Brule showed some flash in his first game with the Spartans, picking up a sack, but he was otherwise relatively quiet.

Darius Snow went down with an injury at the end of the first half and it didn’t look good so this room took a major hit.

Home/Spartans Football