Michigan State football opened the season with a victory over in-state foe Western Michigan on Friday night, 35-13. The Spartans were led by big performances from a pair of transfers — running back Jalen Berger (120 yards and one touchdown) and linebacker Jacoby Windmon (four sacks).
Michigan State held a 21-3 advantage at halftime, but Western Michigan made things interesting in the second half by getting it to a one-possession game in the fourth quarter. From there the Spartans scored a pair of touchdowns to clinch the season-opening victory.
Check out some of the most notable comments from Michigan State head coach Mel Tucker during his postgame press conference:
Tucker on Spartans' performance:
MSU coach Mel Tucker: "I was proud of the effort of our team tonight. Western was well coached … and gave us everything we could handle. We got a lot of work to do, but I liked what I saw in the locker room after the game from our team & leaders." Hunger, need to be better.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) September 3, 2022
Tucker on injuries to Xavier Henderson and Darius Snow:
Mel Tucker doesn't give an update on Darius Snow and Xavier Henderson. Says he might have more information on Monday
— Matt Charboneau (@mattcharboneau) September 3, 2022
Tucker says he'll "know a lot more tomorrow" on injuries to Xavier Henderson and Darius Snow.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) September 3, 2022
Tucker on Windmon's strong performance:
Tucker on Windmon: "He did a good job. He's hungry. He just wants to get better. We identified him in camp and in the spring as well as one of our best pass rushers, maybe our best. And pass rushers are hard to find. You always have to be able to affect the QB."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) September 3, 2022
Tucker on Payton Thorne and Berger's play vs. Western Michigan:
Tucker says he'll have to watch film before evaluating Thorne's performance. As for Berger, that's what they saw in practice.
— Matt Wenzel (@mwenzel2) September 3, 2022
Tucker on Payton Thorne: "I have to look at the film with Payton and then get with (Jay Johnson) before I say if I'm disappointed with him or not."
On Berger: "Pretty much what we saw in practice. He runs hard."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) September 3, 2022
Tucker on kicking situation:
Tucker on kicking situation: "Everything is always up for evaluation." Said Jack Stone was the best during camp
— Matt Charboneau (@mattcharboneau) September 3, 2022
Tucker on play from MSU's secondary:
Tucker on CB/safeties: "I saw a strong effort. I saw a lot of contested balls. I saw a lot of catch-tackles, guys right there to make the immediate tackle. It's important not to get the ball thrown over your head, and that was a big point of emphasis for us."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) September 3, 2022
Tucker on Brandon Baldwin getting start at LT:
Tucker says Brandon Baldwin, who started at left tackle, has "been getting better." He got the start ahead of Jarrett Horst, who played some in the second half.
— Matt Charboneau (@mattcharboneau) September 3, 2022
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