Mel Tucker explains decision to put Alante Brown back in game against Central Michigan after injury

On the opening kickoff between Michigan State and Central Michigan, Spartans wide receiver Alante Brown took a big hit and left on a cart. The Nebraska transfer was moving his left knee and gave a thumbs up as he left the field, though, showing he was alright.

It looked like Brown would be out for the game. But then, late in the first half, he was back on the field as an active player before being seen on the sidelines without his pads on after halftime.

It was a surprising decision, but Mel Tucker said it came from the medical staff, just as it always does with an injury.

“For me, all those decisions are all medical,” Tucker said. “If a guy plays, if he doesn’t play, if he practices, he doesn’t practice, it’s all medical. I don’t have anything to do with those. If they tell me a guy’s up and he can go, then he’ll play. If they tell me he’s down, then he’s out. That’s what happened.”

What Alante Brown brings to Michigan State

Friday’s game against Central Michigan marked Brown’s first for Michigan State after transferring from Nebraska, where spent three years before entering the transfer portal. He 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.

“With him as a transfer, he has obviously had some game experience,” Hawkins said, via SpartanMag. “He has been in the fire, so he understands Big Ten officiating, Big Ten ball, the grind of playing in the Big Ten. How physical the play is.”

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 got off to a bit of a slow start against Central Michigan in the first half, but the offense found its stride after halftime as the Spartans came away with the 31-7 win. Noah Kim put up solid numbers in his first start, totaling 279 yards on 18 of 31 passing and two touchdowns to lead the attack. On the ground, Nathan Carter led the way with 113 rushing yards and a touchdown while Jalen Berger also found the end zone.

MSU will now turn its attention to Richmond for a Week 2 matchup in East Lansing.