Michigan State football didn’t play a perfect game against Western Michigan in its season opener, but it was able to withstand several punches from the feisty Broncos to pull away at the end, 35-13.
The first player that needs to be mentioned is Jacoby Windmon. We heard all summer about the UNLV transfer’s pass rushing ability, and that was on full display Friday night. Windmon finished with four sacks and was relentless in his pursuit of Western quarterback Jack Salopek.
Payton Thorne played one of his sloppier games against his father’s team. He finished with four touchdowns, but he threw one very poor pick that will haunt him this week.
Finally, the two-headed monster of Jalen Berger and Jarek Broussard, who were tasked to replace the production of Kenneth Walker III, looked good in their debut for the Spartans. Berger had 120 yards and a touchdown while Broussard finished with 54 yards.
Keon Coleman, another player we heard made a step this summer, led the team in receiving yards with 84 and a touchdown. Tre Mosley, Germie Bernard and Daniel Barker scored as well.
In unfortunate news, it appears Xavier Henderson and Darius Snow, two beloved members of the team, suffered injuries during the contest.
