Michigan State handled business against Eastern Michigan on Saturday even though it took a little longer to put the Eagles away than expected.
The Spartans are now 2-0 on the season and they were able to pull away from the Eagles because of three players who probably deserve more snaps after the 35-7 victory.
Which Spartans earned more snaps in the win over Eastern Michigan?
1. Dion Crawford
Dion Crawford made his Spartan debut against Eastern Michigan after missing the opener and he didn’t disappoint. He was one of the highest-graded Spartan defenders on PFF in the win, finishing with seven tackles and flying all around the field with Jordan Hall out. He stepped up in Hall’s absence and showed that he can be a key piece to the defensive puzzle.
The Buffalo transfer had a really solid debut and looks the part of a Big Ten linebacker. We’ll see much more of him moving forward in the linebacker rotation.
2. Charles Taplin
Charles Taplin may have just secured a starting job next to Chrishon McCray and Rod Bullard Jr. after catching three passes and leading the team with 65 receiving yards and a touchdown. The redshirt freshman actually led all receivers in Saturday’s win and his confidence has to be at an all-time high.
After catching just one pass a year ago as a true freshman, Taplin tripled that production against Eastern Michigan. This feels like the start of his rise to the starting lineup.
Taplin’s breakout game is going to lead to more playing time (hopefully).
3. Cam Fancher
No one expected to see much of Cam Fancher on Saturday, especially with the game being just 14-7 at halftime, but the sixth-year quarterback who played against Michigan State at FAU in 2024 saw action in the third quarter and really sparked the offense. When the Spartans needed a shot in the arm, Fancher came in and completed all six of his passes for 44 yards and he rushed three times for 11 yards.
Fancher proved that he’s a more than capable backup and not only can he fill in nicely for Alessio Milivojevic, he can also be featured in some different offensive looks.
Milivojevic is the unquestioned starter, but Fancher deserves a drive or two every game where he comes in, makes the defense uncomfortable, and gives the offense a spark.
One thing we all learned on Saturday is that Michigan State has more options on offense than we originally thought.
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