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Michigan State football: 3 biggest offseason questions facing Mel Tucker’s Spartans

By Dante Pryor

Mel Tucker, Michigan State Spartans. (USA Today)
Mel Tucker, Michigan State Spartans. (USA Today) /
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Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Garrett Wilson (5) works to break a tackle from Michigan State Spartans cornerback Angelo Grose (15) during the second quarter of an NCAA Division I football game between the Michigan State Spartans and the Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Michigan.CFB Ohio State Buckeyes At Michigan State Spartans
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Garrett Wilson (5) works to break a tackle from Michigan State Spartans cornerback Angelo Grose (15) during the second quarter of an NCAA Division I football game between the Michigan State Spartans and the Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Michigan.CFB Ohio State Buckeyes At Michigan State Spartans /

1. Last season was the worst defensive season in East Lansing since 2016.

The defensive numbers were a combination of three poor defensive performances (Iowa, Ohio State and Penn State) and playing with a poor offense. The defense did not play poorly overall by the numbers. The Spartans finished 54th in total defense last season, which is not terrible.

Where the Spartans were worse than usual was passing defense. Shakur Brown not only led the Spartans in interceptions last season, but he was the only defensive back with an interception. Brown is gone and they need better secondary play. The pass rush generated only 12 sacks last season, rankings just 91st in the country.

The pass defense is usually the strength of the Spartans, primarily the secondary. This season, the Spartans need some of their new faces to step up and play well for the defense to improve from last season. That is why Tucker and the Spartans have been so busy in the transfer portal.

Michigan State brought in five defensive backs this cycle and two transfers, Marqui Lowery, Jr. from Louisville, Chester Kimbrough from Florida and Khary Chump from Arizona. Adding the transfers could be a move to add depth to a depleted defensive group. The three transfers give Tucker and the Hazelton time to develop the high school recruits and add ball skills and speed to a secondary that lacked both last season.

Duke transfer Drew Jordan and Minnesota Itayvion Brown are the crown jewels of the defensive portal signees. Jordan is a veteran who adds depth to the defensive line and can play outside or inside. Brown is a young elite athlete who plays physically and Tucker is sure to love. Though Brown needs more experience, his athleticism will make it hard to keep him off of the field next season.

If two or three of these transfers can hit and be difference-makers, the defense is that much better this season.

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