First Half Analysis: Michigan State handling business early vs. Richmond

Michigan State is off and running in their Week 2 matchup against Richmond, as the Spartans hold a 17-0 lead over the Spiders through 30 minutes of action.

Here are a few things that stood out in the first half:

Michigan State Offense

It was a three-and-out for MSU on their opening possession of the game. Offensive coordinator Jay Johnson elected to go with a flea-clocker on the Spartans' first play from scrimmage. That's a play that Johnson likes to call, but I would have liked to see Michigan State establish the run game before pulling out the flea-flicker — Richmond was not fooled at all and had Montorie Foster well covered.
Noah Kim has showed off his foot speed and escapability in the first half today. He had four carries for 22 yards on two designed runs and a pair of scrambles, before taking a sack midway through the second quarter. Kim's mobility is a weapon for Johnson to utilize as the season progresses. As far as the passing attack, Kim has looked sharp, completing 8-of-12 attempts for 113 yards and two touchdowns. He also had a perfect 30-yard throw to Maliq Carr on what would have been a touchdown, but the play was called back for offensive holding. Nice progression from Kim thus far after a hot-and-cold performance last week.
Michigan State is still struggling to establish a reliable run game. Nathan Carter broke off a 19-yard gainer in the second quarter, but has been limited to just 15 yards on seven other carries. Jalen Berger had two carries for seven yards, but left the game in the first quarter and was seen walking to the locker room with trainers. The Spartans are averaging just 3.6 yards per carry, as the O-line struggles to get consistent push in the run game. That's concerning given the level of competition.
MSU's kicking game continues to show improvement after a rough year in 2022. Following a 47-yard field goal last week against Central Michigan, transfer kicker Jonathan Kim converted on a 52-yarder today when his attempt hit the crossbar and bounced over for 3 points. After all the misfortune the Spartans endured last season in the kick game, they were do for a bit of luck.

Michigan State Defense

Michigan State's defensive line is controlling this football game. It's been tough sledding all half for the Spiders, who have already surrendered five sacks for a loss of 19 yards. Richmond isn't having much success in the run game either, averaging just 3.7 yards per carry. The D-line was called the strength of the Spartans' team during most of the offseason, and they're living up to that billing today.
Richmond got some things going on their third and fourth possessions with some nice play calls, beating Michigan State with short passes to nickel and dime their way down the field. The Spiders made their way inside MSU's 25 yard line on the first of those drives, before stalling on fourth down. Michigan State forced a punt around midfield on the second drive. Still, Richmond may have found a soft spot with the intermediate passing game, and the Spartans will need to adjust.
The Spiders' coaching staff must have seen something on film about Michigan State's punt coverage, because they dialed up a perfect fake punt on fourth-and-9 and converted on an easy run up the middle. That'll be something for special teams coordinator Ross Els to clean up this week in practice.

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