Alante Brown carted off field after opening kickoff vs. Central Michigan

Before even taking a snap, Michigan State lost a player due to injury against Central Michigan. Alante Brown got hurt on the opening kickoff and left the game on a cart.

Brown went to make a block, but hit the turf right away. He hit the Central Michigan player’s helmet and left the game on a backboard on a cart. His left knee was moving up and down as the cart drove off the field.

Friday marked Brown’s first game for Michigan after transferring from Nebraska. He spent three years in Lincoln and turned in his best season yet in 2022, totaling 191 receiving yards.

Brown opened some eyes during training camp and his experience in the Big Ten could be key for Michigan State this year, according to wide receiver coach Courtney Hawkins.

Alante Brown is a former three-star recruit and was the No. 115-ranked wide receiver prospect from the 2020 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Michigan State entered the game vs. Central Michigan shorthanded

Michigan State was already dealing with multiple injuries entering Friday’s game, according to the Spartans’ availability report.

Starting center Nick Samac and running back Jaren Mangham are both questionable for the game. Eight Spartans — cornerback Semar Melvin, linebacker Ma’a Gaoteote, defensive lineman Jarrett Jackson, safety Harold Joiner III, linebacker Darius Snow, offensive tackle Stanton Ramil, offensive lineman Gavin Brocious and defensive lineman Alex VanSumeren — are all out.

Samac is one of the biggest names on Michigan State’s availability report as he anchors the offensive line. He has started 22 games at center and appeared in 38 overall in his career, including every game last year. His availability would be key for MSU as it looks to start a bounce-back season.

Starting this season, Big Ten teams will provide availability reports two hours prior to kickoff. The purpose is to provide a more standardized announcement of who can and can’t play, especially given the current presence of gambling in the sports landscape.

“The well-being of our students, coaches, and staff, as well as the integrity of our competitions are of paramount importance,” Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti said in a press release. “Enhanced transparency through availability reporting and partnering with U.S. Integrity strengthens our efforts to protect those who participate in our games as well as the integrity of the games themselves. I’m grateful for the collaboration of our schools, coaches, and administrators.”