V-Cast: what we learned about Michigan State in 31-7 win over CMU

East Lansing, Mich. – Any Spartan fans that have lived through the previous upsets that CMU has sprung against Michigan State over the years would have been justified for having some anxiety in the opening half of a 31-7 victory in the season opener on Friday Night. Disaster, however, was averted as the Spartans overcame slow start on offense to put together a solid, yet far-from-perfect, performance in all phases of the game.

Afterward, SpartanMag staffers Jim Comparoni and Paul Konyndyk checked in from Spartan Stadium with news, analysis, and opinion in the latest V-Cast.

V-CAST TOPICS

NOAH KIM: After several stalled drives in the first and second quarter of this game, it appeared that Michigan State head coach Mel Tucker may be tempted to give Noah Kim the hook in favor of his redshirt freshman counterpart Katin Houser. Kim, who has waited several years for an opportunity to start at quarterback for the Spartans, wasn’t about to go down without a fight. Kim finished this game with a solid stat line, which included 279 yards passing and a pair of touchdowns without an interception. Not bad for a guy that went 2-for-7 passing to start out the game. Kim’s turnaround began in the two-minute offense before halftime.

MICHIGAN STATE DEFENSE: Except for a touchdown drive that was given up right before halftime this was a good night for the Michigan State defense. The Spartans held CMU to 219 yards of total offense and forced their opponent to punt the ball nine times. Michigan State held CMU under 100 yards net rushing and limited CMU ballcarriers to 3.0 yards per carry on the ground. The defensive line held up its part of the bargain. Linebackers played well together and defensive backs were willing tacklers.

NATHAN CARTER: Michigan State only rushed for 127 yards on the ground in this game, but 107 of the yards belonged to UConn transfer Nathan Carter, who showed the ability to deliver a couple of explosive runs, while also getting tough between-the-tackles pick-ups. Carter started this game for Michigan State and showed himself to be capable in a feature back role. Jalen Berger, who led the Spartans in rushing last season, also made a contribution, leading his team in receptions, while also adding a 12-yard touchdown run on well-blocked play.

SPECIAL TEAMS: Friday’s opener was an all-around solid affair for Michigan State on special teams. North Carolina transfer Jonathan Kim made a 47-yard field goal look easy. Tyrell Henry sparked the Michigan State return game. Both punters that played for Michigan State performed well.

The post V-Cast: what we learned about Michigan State in 31-7 win over CMU appeared first on On3.