V-Cast: plenty of bright spots for Michigan State in season-opening win over WMU

EAST LANSING, Mich.  – Michigan State kicked off the 2025 football season with a 23-6 win over WMU in a game where the final score was closer than the contest itself. Afterward, SpartanMag.com staffers Jim Comparoni and Paul Konyndyk checked in from Spartan Stadium with the latest V-Cast.

V-CAST TOPICS

Run Game: Improvement in the run game is absolutely critical for Michigan State to have the balance necessary for Brian Lindgren’s offense to be effective. The run game was inconsistent last season. Against WMU, however, the Spartans had an encouraging performance running the football. The Spartan run game boasted a 100-yard game from sophomore Makhi Frazier, and two tailbacks with a per-carry average over seven yards. The foundation for the Spartan run game was the offensive line which dominated at the point of attack. Michigan State rotated a large group of o-linemen throughout this game, and each of them contributed to a dominant run-blocking performance, especially in the first half.

Defensive Shutout: The Michigan State defense did not allow a point in this game as WMU’s only points came on a pick six by former Spartan Tate Hallock, an all-Mid-American Conference safety who took an ill-advised pass by Alessio Milivojevic to the house. The foundation for the success that Michigan State had on defense overall was outstanding run defense. The Spartans held WMU to 29 total rushing yards. Bronco running back Jalen Buckley, who was a concern for the Spartan going into this game given his production over the past two season had little success. Buckley totaled just 21 yards on nine attempts. This strong Spartan defensive performance included a safety by Jalen Thompson and Alex Vansumeren, an interception by linebacker Wayne Mathews, and three sacks with several hurries.

Field Goal Kicking Problem: With Tarik Ahmetbasic and Martin Connington unable to kick field goals as the result of respective groin injuries, Michigan State split kicking duties between punter Ryan Eckley and walk-on Blake Sislo, who joined the program as a D2 transfer in training camp. Sislo was 3-for-3 on PAT kicks but did not attempt a field goal. Eckley did attempt a field goal and just missed a 46 yard try before halftime. Not having an effective field goal kicker didn’t hurt the Spartans too badly in this game, but that may change quickly as the competition ramps up with a non-conference game against Boston College next weekend. Ahmetbasic and Connington will eventually return this season, but the Spartans may still be in a tough spot on field goals, as neither  participated in fall camp, and neither has significant game experience.