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Michigan State football is officially back.
The Spartans opened up their preseason fall camp on Thursday, with the team holding their first practice. Michigan State will open the season on Sept. 2 against Western Michigan from Spartan Stadium.
Michigan State head coach Mel Tucker met with media following the first practice and had these notable comments:
Tucker on Cornerbacks:
Tucker on the CBs: "We got good work today." Says the technique "was sound and solid. It needs to get better." He worked hands-on with the CBs. "In order to get where we need to go, that group needs to play really well."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) August 4, 2022
Tucker on QB Payton Thorne:
Tucker says QB Payton Thorne needed to confront teammates more and demand they get things done properly. Feels like his second-year starter is holding them accountable more as camp opens. "His teammates respect him as well. He's taken the reins and is doing that."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) August 4, 2022
Tucker on Most Important Thing Heading into Season:
Tucker said he's asked a lot what is the "most important thing" heading into a new season. "It's the 100 little things," he said.
— Matt Charboneau (@mattcharboneau) August 4, 2022
Tucker on Preseason Expectations:
Tucker: "The guys know we were picked to finish fourth in the (Big Ten) East. Now, we just have to work … and the outcome will take care of itself."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) August 4, 2022
Tucker on Upcoming Practice Schedule:
MSU will put the pads on after "a couple more practices" and plans on a first scrimmage late next week," Tucker said.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) August 4, 2022
Tucker on Avoiding Complacency:
Tucker gets animated and vocal: "We won't have any complacency. We won't have guys getting comfortable and looking for relief and thinking about last year and things like that. We didn't even do anything last year."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) August 4, 2022
Tucker getting fired up talking about complacency. He points out MSU didn't win a championship in 2021. "We didn't even do anything last year."
— Matt Charboneau (@mattcharboneau) August 4, 2022
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