Michigan State football: Stats show Angelo Grose had a near-perfect Week 1

Michigan State football veteran Angelo Grose had a really strong opening week and the stats show that he was nearly perfect.

While the Michigan State football season opener was rather forgettable, there were some bright spots.

One was Aidan Chiles’ composure even though he wasn’t on his game. He didn’t get too rattled and even took accountability after the game. Another was Kay’Ron Lynch-Adams who ran wild on just nine carries against the Owls. We also saw some impressive defensive performances which was a breath of fresh air after the up-and-mostly-down Scottie Hazelton era.

Michigan State held FAU to just 10 total points and 248 total yards. Cam Fancher completed just 12-of-25 passes and threw a couple of picks.

One of those picks was to veteran defensive back Angelo Grose.

While that name often comes with mixed reactions from Spartan fans because he never lived up to the hype under Mel Tucker (especially after the “Sugar Weasel” nicknamed was bestowed upon him), it may be more celebrated moving forward.

In fact, Grose had one of the best games of any defender in the nation in Week 1.

So far this 2024 CFB season…

113 FBS players have recorded an INT in one game.

54 FBS players have recorded 10+ total tackles in one game.

10 FBS players have recorded 8+ solo tackles in one game.

Only one (1) has done ALL three in one game:

Michigan State’s Angelo Grose pic.twitter.com/bw5bqS1Vrz

— Ben Stevens (@BenScottStevens) September 3, 2024

That’s right, Grose was the only player in college football who had an interception, 10-plus tackles, and eight-plus solo tackles in Week 1. As you can see above, 113 players had a pick, 54 players had 10-plus tackles in the first game, 10 players had eight-plus solos, but only one had all three: Grose.

For a guy who had battled inconsistency and somewhat disappointing coaching throughout his Michigan State football career, having a game like this in a new era has to feel like a reset button. It feels like he finally found his footing on the defensive side of the ball and you have to credit Joe Rossi, Blue Adams, and Demetrice Martin.

The defense might be trending in the right direction again and Grose could be a huge part of that turnaround.