Illinois running back Pierre Thomas is team tackled by MSU defensive tackles Justin Kershaw, left, Ogemdi Nwagbuo and defensive end Ervin Baldwin during Saturday’s game at Spartan Stadium.
The dead bolt has been cut from the cage, and the dogs of the MSU defense are out hounding opposing quarterbacks this season.
Bowling Green quarterback Tyler Sheehan felt the bite last Saturday, getting sacked seven times – giving MSU 12 total sacks in two games. Last season, the Spartans ended with only 16.
Quarterback pressure was a defensive liability under former head coach John L. Smith, but head coach Mark Dantonio and his assistants from Cincinnati came to MSU with a fresh game plan.
“(Defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi) and his staff are the best thing to happen to Michigan State in a couple years,” senior defensive end Ervin Baldwin said. “I think it’s better for us to make some plays and get after the opposing team.”
The new defensive scheme favors speed and gives the defensive line a chance to pass rush on the edges, rather than always trying to break through the offensive line, senior defensive end Jonal Saint-Dic said.
“They give us a lot more opportunities to move around on the defensive line
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