Michigan State’s defense is going to need to make some plays if it wants to hang with Penn State. Linebacker Joe Bachie understands that pretty well.

In the first quarter, Michigan State came up with that kind of play.

A Trace McSorley pass was batted around before the ball fell into the arms of Bachie, creating an early momentum swing for the Spartans. The interception was the second for Bachie this season.

Michigan State is going to need more of that from its defense to pull off the upset.

In addition to the two interceptions, Bachie had 71 tackles, 7.5 stops for loss and forced two fumbles heading into the game against the Nittany Lions. He’s emerged as one of the top linebackers in the B1G this season.