Michigan State’s defense had its moments against Nebraska, but the unit couldn’t keep the Cornhuskers in check long enough to change the outcome of Saturday night’s 31-13 loss. The Spartans fell to 2-2 after allowing 369 yards and finishing the game without a sack.
After reviewing the film, Pro Football Focus handed out its defensive grades for the game, and linebacker Jordan Hall came out on top for Michigan State.
Hall led the Spartans with an 85.2 grade and again looked like the best defender on the field for Michigan State. He finished with four tackles before leaving the game with an injury, a development that could leave a major opening on the defense.
Senior defensive tackle Ben Roberts followed closely behind at 81.2. Roberts was a problem in the middle all game long, finishing with four tackles while helping shut down run lanes and generate pressure on the quarterback.
Cornerback Charles Brantley checked in next at 69.0. He was on the field for 63 snaps, the second-most among Michigan State defenders, and posted four tackles while holding up fairly well in coverage for most of the night.
Linebacker Dion Crawford earned a 68.9 after being pushed into a bigger role because of injuries at the position. He struggled in pass rush situations, but graded well everywhere else in the contest.
Rounding out the top five was reserve defensive tackle Mikeshun Beeler at 68.7. Beeler once again made the most of his opportunities and showed he can provide a spark when called upon.
In Other News...
Michigan State May Have Found A Portal Steal Up Front
Michigan States offensive line has had its share of issues early in the 2026 season, but Trent Fraley has given the Spartans something to build around in the middle. The transfer center has emerged as one of the teams most reliable up-front pieces, and Pro Football Network has graded him as the highest-rated center in college football through the first four weeks. For a unit still searching for consistency, that kind of steadiness matters.
Fraleys rise has also brought national attention with it, including early buzz as a Rimington Trophy front-runner. What makes the start even more notable is the path that got him here, since he arrived after being recognized as the best center in the FCS before making the jump to the FBS level. If Michigan State is going to settle its protection problems, the Spartans may already have found a rare portal addition who looks ready to anchor the line. [Read more 🡒]
Michigan State Has A Busy Week Fans Will Want To Track
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The bigger picture around campus is just as busy, with the homecoming matchup against Illinois now on the calendar for early October and men's tennis already celebrating its Big Ten championship rings. Add in a men's golf team that has put itself near the top of the Windon Memorial leaderboard, and it has the feel of one of those weeks when Michigan State followers need to track more than just the next snap. [Read more 🡒]
Michigan State Just Got A Harsh Big Ten Reality Check
Nebraska left East Lansing looking every bit like a team ready to matter in the Big Ten, using a punishing defensive night and enough offense to pull away from Michigan State in a matchup that exposed how much work still sits ahead for the Spartans. The Cornhuskers stayed undefeated, got steady protection up front and leaned on Anthony Colandreas all-around contribution, while the defense kept setting the tone with pressure, turnovers and the kind of physical edge that can travel.
For Michigan State, the bigger concern is how little rhythm it found once the game tightened and Nebraska started dictating terms. The Huskers depth in the run game showed promise, but there are still questions about how the pieces fit as the schedule gets harder, and former player DeMoine Adams pointed to the defenses adaptability as a real strength to monitor as the season unfolds. [Read more 🡒]