Michigan State football: 3 reasons the Spartans will upset Washington

Michigan State football: 3 reasons the Spartans will upset No. 8 Washington

EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN - SEPTEMBER 09: Nathan Carter #5 of the Michigan State Spartans runs up the field in the third quarter of a game agains the Richmond Spiders at Spartan Stadium on September 09, 2023 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images) /

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Michigan State’s Cal Haladay, right, tackles Richmond’s Quanye Veney during the first quarter on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. /

2. Michigan State football’s defense is better than last year’s

I get it, Michigan State has played two inferior opponents so any of the stats accumulated through the first two weeks of the season need to be taken with a grain of salt.

With that being said, the defense just looks and feels more effective this year than it did a season ago at this time. The Spartans are rallying to the ball-carrier on every possession and both the front-seven and the secondary look worlds better than they did last season.

The pass rush has been playing at a high level with the fifth-most QB pressures in college football through two weeks. The defensive line is getting into the backfield at an impressive clip and they’re picking up sacks and tackles for loss left and right. That’s what happens when you have an elite linebacking unit and a deep defensive line.

As for the secondary, it’s been shutting down opposing passing attacks. Through two games, Michigan State is allowing just 107 passing yards per game. That’s impressive stuff no matter the opponent.

Michael Penix Jr. saw a shaky defense last season, but it’s much more solidified in 2023.

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