Michigan State football has opened the season with a win.
It was a sluggish start but Michigan State was able to turn it on in the second half to pull away for a 31-7 victory over Central Michigan on Friday. With the win, the Spartans improved to 1-0 on the season.
Buy Spartans TicketsWhat did Mel Tucker think of his team’s performance? Check out notable quotes from Tucker’s postgame press conference below:
MSU coach Mel Tucker at the podium says he's "really happy" with his players' effort but that the Spartans have a lot to clean up. "We started slow, but we kept choppin' and we were able to execute in all three phases and get the win."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) September 2, 2023
Tucker says he sensed MSU had some jitters coming out, but also compliments CMU. Liked how Noah Kim played today.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) September 2, 2023
Tucker says MSU was "tough, disciplined and selfless" by keeping composure in some moments when a reporter asked about possible "skirmishes" with CMU. Tucker adds that the Spartans need to clean up penalties.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) September 2, 2023
Mel Tucker said "Consistency in performance day in and day out" gave Noah Kim the job over Katin Houser.
"Over the course of time, he won the job. This is his fourth season. He knows the offense. We feel like he can go in and run the offense. … He's a very talented young man."
— Graham Couch (@Graham_Couch) September 2, 2023
Tucker on Kim as QB, says there was never a thought to change QBs despite the early struggles. "He's got a lot of talent, you can see that."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) September 2, 2023
Asked Tucker about the two 4th-and-1 shotgun run calls that MSU didn't get. Didn't get into specifics, said it was late, but did add this: "We need to be able to get those, and we've talked about that. And so that's an area where we need to improve."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) September 2, 2023
Tucker said there was no plan to play both quarterbacks. Said Noah Kim earned his opportunity to be the starter
— Matt Charboneau (@mattcharboneau) September 2, 2023
Tucker says Nathan Carter "is gonna be a very productive player for us."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) September 2, 2023
Tucker says Alante Brown was cleared by medical staff to return to the game.
— Matt Wenzel (@mwenzel2) September 2, 2023
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