First-half Michigan State defensive stand earns compliments from Jonathan Smith after film study

EAST LANSING, Mich. - After scoring its biggest win of the season so far, and a hated rival on deck for the next game, the Michigan State Spartans had the potential to be the most excited and riled up for their return to work at the Tom Izzo Football Building on Sunday.  But Michigan State head coach Jonathan Smith kept things routine. There will be a time to light the hype fuse later in the week, but for now Smith wants to keep the lion in the cage, to borrow a Mark Dantonio phrase. More inside, including an overview of an overlooked, key Michigan State defensive stand in the first half.