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Michigan football: 3 defensive players to watch vs. Michigan State

By Jacob Bruetsch

BLOOMINGTON, IN - OCTOBER 08: Mike Morris #90 of the Michigan Wolverines is seen during the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium on October 8, 2022 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
BLOOMINGTON, IN - OCTOBER 08: Mike Morris #90 of the Michigan Wolverines is seen during the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium on October 8, 2022 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN – OCTOBER 15: Parker Washington #3 of the Penn State Nittany Lions is tackled by DJ Turner #5 of the Michigan Wolverines and Junior Colson #25 in the first half of a game at Michigan Stadium on October 15, 2022 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN – OCTOBER 15: Parker Washington #3 of the Penn State Nittany Lions is tackled by DJ Turner #5 of the Michigan Wolverines and Junior Colson #25 in the first half of a game at Michigan Stadium on October 15, 2022 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images) /

2. Junior Colson

The Spartans’ offensive success has largely been determined by how well they run the football.

Wisconsin transfer Jalen Berger has been the guy leading their rushing attack, and he’s been hit or miss. Back-to-back 100-yard games to start the season were promising, but after that, Berger tallied only 81 yards over the next four games. This was capped off in a five-attempt, seven-yard game against Ohio State.

Last week he performed better against his former team, gaining 59 yards and a touchdown in a win over the Badgers. When Berger puts together solid games, Michigan State tends to do a whole lot better offensively.

While a lot goes into stopping the run, Junior Colson will be the most directly involved. Colson leads the team tackles with 49 on the season and has been pivotal in filling the run-stopper hole left by Josh Ross’ departure. No team has really been able to get going on the ground this year, which speaks volumes to how well Colson has stepped into that role. If he continues to play as he has, Michigan will find managing Berger and the Spartan run game much easier.

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