Michigan State football: Report card for deflating loss to Washington

Sep 17, 2022; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies defensive lineman Tuli Letuligasenoa (91) tackles Michigan State Spartans quarterback Payton Thorne (10) for no gain during the second quarter at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /

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Sep 17, 2022; Seattle, Washington, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Mel Tucker stands on the sideline during the first quarter against the Washington Huskies at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /

Linebackers: D+

What did I think about Michigan State’s linebackers on Saturday night? Not much, honestly.

The Spartans didn’t show much of anything on the defensive side of the ball which was upsetting because they looked like they had improved through the first two weeks.

There was the fourth-down stop at the goal-line in the first quarter that can be attributed to the linebackers and the line coming together to create a huge play but that momentum was instantly halted by a safety. It felt like the defense was on the field for 90 percent of that first half which attributes to this poor grade as well. These dudes were gassed.

Cal Haladay had a rough game, Ben VanSumeren was quiet after getting a questionable roughing the passer call in the first quarter, and no one else really stood out — Aaron Brule did get injured.

This game was as forgettable as it gets for the linebackers.

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