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Michigan State Football: 3 things you need to know about Central Michigan

By Scott Tolonen

Michigan State's head coach Mel Tucker, center, and the team take the field before the game against Minnesota during the first quarter on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.220924 Msu Minn Fb 053a
Michigan State's head coach Mel Tucker, center, and the team take the field before the game against Minnesota during the first quarter on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.220924 Msu Minn Fb 053a /
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STILLWATER, OK – SEPTEMBER 1: Running back Jaden Nixon #23 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys scores on a 17-yard reception against defensive back Trey Jones #3 of the Central Michigan Chippewas in the second quarter at Boone Pickens Stadium on September 1, 2022 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
STILLWATER, OK – SEPTEMBER 1: Running back Jaden Nixon #23 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys scores on a 17-yard reception against defensive back Trey Jones #3 of the Central Michigan Chippewas in the second quarter at Boone Pickens Stadium on September 1, 2022 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /

2. The defense returns a lot of starters

The other side of the ball is where Central Michigan will do its best to win games. The defense ranks 19th in the country in returning production so there is plenty of experience on the field.

The bad news? The Chippewas lost three of their four top defensive linemen including Thomas Incoom who tallied 11.5 sacks last year, good for second in the MAC.

Their linebackers and defensive backs are hands-down the strength of this team. They return seven of their top 11 tacklers, and their third-best sack leader. This team is very similar to Michigan State on defense as they had a lot of young players gain meaningful experience last season at the expense of losing games and giving up a lot of yards and points.

Both teams should see major improvements in 2023.

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