By WKAR
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkar/local-wkar-922185.mp3
East Lansing, MI – In front of over 75,000 fans, the Michigan State football season began with a 38-14 victory over Western Michigan. Thanks in large part to the MSU running attack which was led by true freshman Le'Veon Bell who gained 141 yards on just 10 carries with two touchdowns, making him the only freshman running back in school history to gain over one hundred yards in a opening game.
Spartan head coach, Mark Dantonio believes the running game was one of the positive signs for the green and white as they begin the season 1-0
DANTONIO AUDIO:
"Thought we ran the ball very effectively almost three hundred yards rushing, offense production up around five hundred yards, scored 38 points. Drove up the field especially the second quarter, came out very well.
At times just needed to be a little bit more crisp, so we will keep working it. Bell came out, Baker got the start and made a nice run, thought he played very well and Le'Veon played very well as well when he had opportunities.
Credit our offense, credit our defense we kept playing. Defense causing three turnovers one of the things we continue to emphasize this entire year after last season was turnovers, came away with three which was good to see.
I thought we tackled very well on defense, did not see a lot of missed tackles. Special teams solid, great to see Conroy kick the way he did, Bates was solid as well, Muuma had a tough time kicking into the wind.
Snaps were great, coverage was very good we will take it, have to eliminate the unforced penalties which is disappointing, but we will continue to work at it.
If you are looking for what we liked best, I think running the football and turnovers those two things stuck out to me as two things we need to do better from last year. That is forward progress in that respect."
The Spartans hope to carry the momentum of this victory into next Saturdays game against Florida Atlantic at Ford Field in Detroit.