The bye week was good for Michigan State football in terms of recovery, but ahead of Saturday’s rivalry game against Michigan, the reality of the adversity the defense is facing has resurfaced.
Two weeks ago at UCLA, MSU defensive lineman Ben Roberts went down with an injury and was helped off the field. He later returned to the sideline on crutches and is listed as out for Saturday’s game.
Roberts was an anchor for the defense and was playing what many, including defensive coordinator Joe Rossi, considered the best football of his career.
“I feel terrible for him,” Rossi said. “I think he was having a great season, and he’s been not only a very good player for us, but a very good leader for us. For him to come off was disappointing, and I felt most for him, but he was on the sideline, cheering the guys on, coaching, and bringing energy. We appreciate that about him.”
In a rivalry where the team that runs the ball more successfully usually wins, losing Roberts significantly affects how the Spartans must adjust to contain the Wolverines on the ground.
The winner of 49 of the last 56 games in the rivalry also won the battle on the ground, and aside from outside elements affecting the game, that battle begins at the line of scrimmage.
