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Michigan State DC Scottie Hazelton downplays personnel issues: ‘Those guys work like crazy’
By Kate Norum
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Michigan State football is off to a 2-2 record, while just a season ago in 2021 the Spartans had an 11-2 record.
During a press conference on Tuesday afternoon, MSU’s defensive coordinator Scottie Hazelton addressed issues on the field. Sorta.
Saying in part that the issues on the field are not a personnel problem for the Spartans.
Hazelton says it is not a personnel problem. “Those guys work like crazy…. If we’re going into a war or something was going to happen, there’s a lot of dudes in that room that you would say, ‘Hey, come with me.'”
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) September 27, 2022
With a humbling loss last week at home to Minnesota, the Spartans’ defense needs to reevaluate, as Hazelton touched on briefly in his presser.
Hazelton mentioned that the defense needs to tighten up its plays to adjust accordingly.
MSU DC Scottie Hazelton at the podium. Says coaches look at the "overall stuff." Feels there are things the Spartans "need to tighten up. … There's a lot of bang-bang plays out there" that can be made with alignment adjustments.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) September 27, 2022
The Spartans hope to not encounter more injuries, like what happened with safety Xavier Henderson. Henderson, a team captain for the Spartans, and the glue that stuck the defense together is just one hurdle that Michigan State is currently battling.
Hazelton on the loss of Xavier Henderson: "When you have a guy like that out, it's harder. … That does impact you as a team."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) September 27, 2022
Henderson, left during the season opener after suffering a leg injury, and hopes to make his way back to the MSU d-line soon, pending the healing process.
We will see if Hazelton’s defense is able to adjust going into Week 5’s match against Maryland.
Kate Norum covers college football for Saturday Tradition. She graduated from Kennesaw State University with a B.S. in journalism and has always been passionate about sports. Follow Kate on Twitter @katenorum