Michigan State Football: Newcomers are the key to success in 2022

In its Week 1 win, Michigan State football was helped by newcomers and they are the key to their success this season.

The newcomers to the Spartan program showed glimpses of what they can do this season in the win over Western Michigan. They all should have plenty of opportunities to continue to showcase their talents when Michigan State hosts Akron on Saturday.

Let’s first take a look at how well certain newcomers performed against the Broncos.

Windmon had seven tackles, four sacks, and one forced fumble in the Spartans’ win over Western Michigan. A senior who played the last three seasons at UNLV looks to continue to help boost the Spartans’ defense this season.

The third-year running back from Wisconsin who played his last two seasons with the Badgers had an impactful game against the Broncos in his first game as a Spartan when he rushed for 120 yards on 16 carries that included a 50-yard run that lead to a one-yard touchdown. Berger’s production is needed as the Spartans look to replace what Kenneth Walker gave to the Michigan State rushing attack last season.

The freshman receiver from Nevada came up big for the Spartans in the first quarter. Michigan State was down 3-0 and then Bernard caught a pass and took it 44 yards for a touchdown to give the Spartans a 7-3 lead. Even though Michigan State has some good, solid receivers, Bernard can help the Spartans passing attack this season.

The senior tight end who played his last four seasons at Illinois transferred to Michigan State and had an immediate impact in his first game as a Spartan. Early in the second quarter when Michigan State only had a single-digit lead over the Broncos, Barker caught a one-handed13-yard touchdown to give the Spartans a 14-3 lead. Michigan State has depth at tight end this season but Barker gives the Spartans a legitimate red zone threat this year.

Bogle is a senior who played his last three seasons for the Florida Gators. Against the Broncos he had a sack and three tackles. He made his presence felt on the defensive line and he will have more opportunities against Akron.

Speed is a graduate transfer from Georgia who played five seasons at Georgia before transferring to Michigan State. Against Western Michigan, he was one of the starting cornerbacks and he had six tackles and played well in pass coverage.

Broussard played two seasons at Colorado where he was named Pac-12 offensive player of the year in 2020. Against the Broncos, he carried the ball 10 times for 54 yards. He also returned a kickoff for 18 yards as well. He should get more carries against Akron and more opportunities on offense as well.

All of the above student-athletes mentioned look to continue to grow as players and show their talents and skills on the field in the upcoming weeks.