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Mel Tucker: ‘[MSU] fans deserve the brand of football we showed today’
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Michigan State didn’t get off to the start it wanted to in Week 1, but an upset victory over Michigan has coach Mel Tucker feeling confident again.
“I’m here to do a job and lead,” Tucker said after the 27-24 win. “And I believe that State fans and former players deserve the brand of football we showed out there today.”
It’s hard to complain about what Michigan State produced today: Three touchdowns for Rocky Lombardi, 196 receiving yards for Ricky White, zero turnovers and the Spartans’ first win over the Wolverines since 2017.
Michigan State was particularly impressive on defense, which is Tucker’s speciality. Michigan State held quarterback Joe Milton scoreless and managed just 5.9 yards per pass attempt.
The Spartans were able to effectively ice the game in the final five minutes, even as Michigan scored a touchdown. Michigan State forced an 18-play drive from the Wolverines at a time when Michigan really needed efficiency. Even though Michigan ultimately scored, the Spartans were able to run out the clock without giving the ball back.
Overall, this was a massive improvement over the seven-turnover outing Michigan State produced in Week 1. The true quality of this team may end up being somewhere in the middle.
Tucker will look to get Michigan State to a winning record next week against Iowa.
Spenser is the news manager at Saturday Road and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.