Michigan State Football showed some real strength on the defensive side of the ball last Friday night.
The Spartans didn't let Western Michigan score a single offensive point. From stopping several trips into plus territory, and even a field goal chance, to forcing a second-half safety, the Spartans once again showed what's in their DNA: defense.
Who's at the front of that? Well, none other than linebacker and captain Jordan Hall. Obviously he didn't get credited on the tackle that forced the safety. That goes to Jalen Thompson and Alex VanSumeren from the defensive line.
Hall all but made the play himself. He blew up the offensive guard, pushing him back into the path of the Broncos' running back, which allowed his teammates to force the safety.
He's far from being done making plays for the Spartans. It's no secret that he has the talent to where he could've easily left East Lansing for more money somewhere else, much like wide receiver Nick Marsh could have.
But like Marsh, Hall is here to build a legacy.
Hall spoke about why he stayed true to MSU with Matt Wenzel from MLive. There is one quote from him that stands out to me, and why he's the exact leader the Spartan defense has needed.
"When I signed my NLI papers, I committed to a place and a university, and I take a lot of pride in being loyal and sticking to my word and saying if I'm going to do something, I'm going to do it," Hall said. "This place has been home to me and I want it to continue to be home for me. I want this to be a place I can look back in years down the line, show my kids this is where I played at, just here."
The junior linebacker is famously the only three-time captain in IMG Academy history. That's where he starred during his high school days. Now the Spartans are privileged to have his leadership on their defense.
Hall was all over the place on Friday, where he finished with eight tackles, 2.5 for loss, and a sack.
Like he hinted in the MLive quote, Hall is exactly where he needs to be, and it's going to be fun to continue to see him thrive this season and beyond.