Michigan State football: 3 takeaways from blowout win over Richmond

1. The defense has been impressive

Through eight quarters, Michigan State’s defense has given up two touchdowns.

I’m putting an asterisk next to one of those touchdowns since the offense put the defense in a bad spot deep in their own territory with a fumble which led to a touchdown pass by Richmond. Two touchdowns and 14 total points given up by the defense over eight quarters needs to be celebrated after a disappointing 2022 season on that side of the ball.

While it’s only Richmond and Central Michigan, the defense has looked much more effective by swarming the ball and making life difficult on opposing quarterbacks.

The Spartans allowed fewer than 200 yards for the second straight game and it never felt like the defense was getting gashed. Again, just an FCS opponent, but if the defense gave up big chunk plays, this would feel a lot different. Fortunately, that didn’t happen and the defense has been a positive through two weeks.

Scottie Hazelton seems to have figured things out.