Michigan State football: Final PFF grades from YSU win

Michigan State football picked up a 41-24 win over Youngstown State on Saturday, and Pro Football Focus had some interesting grades.

Michigan State football improved to 3-0 with a 41-24 win against the Youngstown State Penguins last Saturday night at Spartan Stadium.

On paper, the victory showed significant improvements across both sides of the ball, but a deeper analysis shows there is still much to be worked on for the green and white-especially with Big Ten play coming up.

PFF released their grades on every Spartan who played on Saturday.

Below are the top five players on each side of the ball for the Spartans.

Offense

1. WR Nick Marsh — 90.5
2. TE Jack Velling — 79.5
3. OL Luka Vincic — 78.7
4. OL Matt Gulbin — 78.3
5. TE Michael Masunas — 77.4

Breakdown

Overall, the grades themselves show that Michigan State’s main playmakers and stars shined once again against the Penguins. There is a ton of concern with these ratings as well, especially against an FCS opponent.

Starting quarterback Aidan Chiles is not on the list, as many considered he underperformed in Saturday’s victory. Nick Marsh, the leading Spartan on offense, only played the first half with an undisclosed injury that many suspect could keep Marsh sidelined this upcoming Saturday as well, when the Spartans travel to California to take on the USC Trojans.

Luka Vincic, another player who left early with an injury, is out for the rest of the season after playing well in his first start of the season. Velling had a ‘breakout’ game and Michael Masunas and Matt Gulbin continue to be some of the only consistent players on the team

Defense

1. DB Armorion Smith — 93.3
2. DL Alex VanSumeren — 76.4
3. LB Jordan Hall — 75.2
4. DL Quindarius Dunnigan — 75.0
5. DL Ben Roberts — 74.2

Breakdown

The Spartans defense struggled at times this weekend. Many fans were not pleased with Michigan State, and spoke out lavishly on social media.

One note to mention, however, is that Michigan State football played various backups for most of the game. Freshman linebacker Brady Pretzlaff was on the field on multiple third downs, freshman defensive back Aydan West had a few key tackles, amongst others.

The highest-ranked Spartans did not get the same amount of playing time as they are used to. MSU head coach Jonathan Smith and staff did comment on this after the game, enforcing the idea as a rotations-based game, similar to Prairie View A&M last season.

Armorion Smith played incredible in his limited action, which warms everyone’s hearts to see knowing what he has gone through. His interception turned the tides as the Penguins were gaining momentum late in the first half.

Jordan Hall and Alex VanSumeren continued to anchor the defense as they have all season. True staples in the program. Ben Roberts and Quindarius Dunnigan in their limited time on the field as starters showed out again as well.

Overall, the Spartans main playmakers showed out this week and will be counted on to continue their performances into next week against USC.