V-Cast: countdown to Michigan State season opener against WMU

EAST LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State coaches and players are eagerly anticipating what they hope will be a strong showing on Friday Night in their season opener at Spartan Stadium against in-state Mid-American Conference program WMU.

After interviews with defensive coordinator Joe Rossi and offensive coordinator Brian Lindgren, along with team captains Aidan Chiles, Matt Gulbin, Sam Edwards,Jordan Hall and Quindarius Dunnigan, SpartanMag staffers Jim Comparoni and Paul Konyndyk checked in from outside Spartan Stadium with the latest V-Cast.

V-CAST TOPICS

Looking for a strong start: Michigan State coaches and players feel good about where they are on both sides of the football heading into the 2025 season and are determined to put a strong product on the field in the season opener on Friday Night. The Spartans are hoping to avoid a scenario like the one that played out in the ’24 season opener against Florida Atlantic in which Michigan State struggled to finish drives on offense and allowed an overmatched opponent to stick around for far too long as a result.

WMU believes it can win: Western Michigan has been unable upset the Spartans in past meetings between these two teams, but there have been several occasions in which the Broncos have been competitive against Michigan State. One year ago, the Broncos just missed out on a golden opportunity to upset a Big Ten opponent on the road at Wisconsin. With many in-state players on its roster, WMU will be hyped up to face another Big Ten program.

Stop the Run: WMU experienced considerable turnover on its o-line between last year and this, but the Broncos will look to hang their hat on running the football. Junior Jalen Buckley is among the finest tailbacks in the Mid-American Conference. In two seasons at WMU, Buckley has totaled more than 1,700 yards and rushed for 20 touchdowns with a per-carry average of 5.3. Defensively, Michigan State needs to limit the rushing production of WMU’s dynamic tailback, whom Joe Rossi described as a Big Ten caliber tailback after Tuesday’s practice.

Linebacker rotation: Rossi indicated after practice on Tuesday that he expects to rotate more linebackers than he has at any point in his career as a defensive coordinator. While  Jordan Hall and Wayne Matthews are likely to lead the group in snaps while playing starting roles, Rossi expects to other capable linebackers in specific roles. Linebacker is likely the deepest position group on the Michigan State defense. Marcellius Pulliam, Semaj Bridgeman, Brady Pretzlaff, and Darius Snow are all in the mix for game reps at linebacker behind Hall and Mathews.