Michigan State’s defense will come into Saturday’s showdown against No. 3 Ohio State with heads held high and chests puffed out. And the Spartans’ confidence will be justified.
The retooled unit led by coordinator Joe Rossi has been the backbone of MSU’s 3-1 start. In that stretch, the Spartans have provided key fourth-quarter stops in victories over Florida Atlantic and Maryland, pitched a shutout against FCS Prairie View A&M, produced a pair of goal-line stops in last week’s loss at Boston College and stacked up more tackles for loss and sacks than any team in the Big Ten.
They also realize Saturday’s visit from No. 3 Ohio State is a challenge unlike anything they’ve seen to date…