Using a modified scoring system, the Spartans’ defense beat the offense 93-90 in overtime in the first of two controlled scrimmages MSU will have this spring, and Dantonio said he was impressed with the competition.

“I don’t care if you’re playing ping-pong, when it gets down to 20-20, you’re going to compete, and that’s what you see happening,” Dantonio said. “That’s a good thing for us when that happens.”

The scrimmage consisted of about 130 plays. Although the defense came out on top in the scrimmage, Dantonio said it was a member of the offense — junior wide receiver Keshawn Martin — who really stood out.

“He’s a guy that’s been a big-play player for us, but he’s much more consistent down the field right now as a total wide receiver,” Dantonio said of Martin, who led all receivers in the scrimmage with 12 catches for 109 yards, including a 25-yard touchdown from junior quarterback Kirk Cousins.

The offense jumped out to a big early lead in the scrimmage, but the defense fought back to take the lead and eventually win by forcing the offense into mistakes, including two interceptions that went for touchdowns.

After MSU finished last in the Big Ten in turnovers forced last season, Dantonio said it was good to see an aggressive defense make big plays.

Heading into the final week of spring practice, which concludes with the Spring Game, Dantonio said he was pleased with his team’s first scrimmage.

“It went very well,” he said. “We’re moving forward, and that’s a good thing.

Improving in the secondary

Last season, defense often was the Achilles’ heel for the MSU football team, especially the secondary.

The Spartans finished last in the Big Ten in pass defense and 10th in interceptions with just six.

Dantonio said a mixture of veterans and newcomers are working together this spring to change the negative perception of the defensive backfield.

“We have four starters back,” Dantonio said.

“After that, we get a little bit young, but we look for some young guys to come in and compete for some positions.”

Senior safety Marcus Hyde and junior safety Trenton Robinson are two of the returners who have had strong springs and are expected to be leaders in the interior of the secondary next season.

On the outside, Dantonio said sophomore Johnny Adams has solidified a starting position at cornerback.

After playing in 12 games and tying for second on the team in interceptions
as a freshman, Adams redshirted last season, but he has shown Dantonio just as much talent this year as two seasons ago.

“He’s having an outstanding spring,” Dantonio said.

“He’s got tremendous ball skills and acceleration, and he’s extremely quick.”

Dantonio said other defensive backs with little, if any, game experience looking to earn playing time next season include senior safety Jesse Johnson, sophomore cornerback Mitchell White and freshman safety Patrick White.

Taking on a bigger role

Sophomore linebacker Chris Norman played all 13 games for MSU last season, including his first career start in his third game at Notre Dame.

Statistics like those might be something to tip your hat to for a Big Ten freshman linebacker, but Dantonio said this spring has shown him Norman is capable of bigger things.

“(Norman) is a starter,” Dantonio said. “He brings it every day, plays at a high rate of speed and makes big plays.”