Scrimmage Takeaways
*Montae Nicholson has a chance to be a dynamic playmaker in
the back row. Michigan State has had a bunch of All-Big Ten performers at
safety, but they haven't had a guy with the physical ability of Nicholson. It's
difficult to play safety as a true freshman, but it is obvious the game is
slowing down for him. Him getting both pick sixes against the First Team
offense is significant. Those plays should also challenge Connor Cook to take
his game up a notch.
*I think it is significant that Malik McDowell was in the
middle of that goal line stand by the defense. Like Nicholson, he is a guy that
got a lot of experience as a true freshman a year ago. The key right now is to
build on that experience.
*Good to see Darian Hicks score on a defense touchdown.
Dantonio indicated that he has been pretty solid the last couple of practices.
He hasn't been as consistent as some of the others competing with him, but you
never know what a play like that can do for your confidence.
*Glad to see none of the running backs cutting loose for big
plays. Tailbacks getting chunk yards during spring ball is a red flag on
defense. Holmes and London being held in check is a positive in terms of
Michigan State maintaining its high standards as a run defense.
*Riley Bullough is having a strong spring, and I am starting
to feel really good about the front seven. Davis-Bullough-Harris is a darn good
group of starters with functional depth from Frey, Reschke, Byron Bullough,
Shane Jones. The key moving forward is getting those Star linebackers behind
Harris playing at a high level. TJ Harrell has a lot of upside, and Powell is a
guy that has flashed in the past.
*Montae Nicholson has a chance to be a dynamic playmaker in
the back row. Michigan State has had a bunch of All-Big Ten performers at
safety, but they haven't had a guy with the physical ability of Nicholson. It's
difficult to play safety as a true freshman, but it is obvious the game is
slowing down for him. Him getting both pick sixes against the First Team
offense is significant. Those plays should also challenge Connor Cook to take
his game up a notch.
*I think it is significant that Malik McDowell was in the
middle of that goal line stand by the defense. Like Nicholson, he is a guy that
got a lot of experience as a true freshman a year ago. The key right now is to
build on that experience.
*Good to see Darian Hicks score on a defense touchdown.
Dantonio indicated that he has been pretty solid the last couple of practices.
He hasn't been as consistent as some of the others competing with him, but you
never know what a play like that can do for your confidence.
*Glad to see none of the running backs cutting loose for big
plays. Tailbacks getting chunk yards during spring ball is a red flag on
defense. Holmes and London being held in check is a positive in terms of
Michigan State maintaining its high standards as a run defense.
*Riley Bullough is having a strong spring, and I am starting
to feel really good about the front seven. Davis-Bullough-Harris is a darn good
group of starters with functional depth from Frey, Reschke, Byron Bullough,
Shane Jones. The key moving forward is getting those Star linebackers behind
Harris playing at a high level. TJ Harrell has a lot of upside, and Powell is a
guy that has flashed in the past.
