Michigan State’s top defensive player, linebacker Jordan Hall, is officially doubtful for their Saturday showdown against Wisconsin. This is a brutal blow for MSU, who’s already staring down a lengthy injury report that just keeps growing ahead of the October 3rd game.
Defense Is Getting Absolutely Decimated
Hall’s situation is tough, man. He twisted his left ankle making a tackle on only the second snap of their 31-13 loss to Nebraska back on September 26th. What’s worse, he already missed their Week 2 loss against Notre Dame. We’re talking about their mike linebacker, a huge piece of that defense.
The injury bug has absolutely feasted on the linebacker room. Defensive coordinator Joe Rossi even joked about it just this past Wednesday, saying he told Hall, “I’ve only had him and Brady (Pretzlaff) together for like four quarters. I would like to change that at some point here moving forward, and he kind of chuckled.” That quote, right there, tells you everything you need to know about the depth issues. Transfers like Caleb Wheatland are gonna have to step up big time, along with Dion Crawford, who already played significant snaps last week.
It’s not just Hall. Cornerbacks NiJhay Burt, Tyran Chappell, and Keshawn Williams are all out. Tre Bell went down against Nebraska too. On top of that, linebacker Brady Pretzlaff and defensive lineman Cal Thrush are questionable, though they got upgraded from sitting out the Nebraska game after injuries against Notre Dame. This defense is gonna have to dig deep.
Offensive Lineup Changes Hit Just as Hard
And if you thought the defense was hurting, get this: running back Cam Edwards is out for the rest of the season. Head coach Pat Fitzgerald confirmed just two days ago that a right knee injury is sidelining their rushing star. That’s a season ender, folks. Total gut punch to the offense.
They’re also missing fullback Jay Coyne, tight end Joe Caudill, and offensive lineman Tristan Comer, all listed as out. Left guard Conner Moore also got dinged up against Nebraska. Wisconsin has some injury concerns too with cornerback Cai Bates, wide receiver Jaylon Domingeaux, and offensive lineman Michael Roeske out, and three running backs, Abu Sama III, Bryan Jackson II, and Mason Lane, listed as questionable. Offensive lineman Emerson Mandell, tight end Ryan Schwendeman and punter Sean West are probable to play for Wisconsin. But man, MSU’s list is just brutal across the board.
So, facing Wisconsin on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. ET on Big Ten Network is gonna be a monumental challenge for Michigan State. With Hall doubtful and Edwards out for the season, not to mention a laundry list of other key players sidelined, they’re gonna need some guys to play out of their minds. How they adapt and who steps up is gonna tell us everything about this team’s grit early in the season.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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