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Michigan State defense takes lumps against fast-paced Utah State, expects improvements

EAST LANSING - Utah State won the coin toss and took the ball.

The Aggies wanted to put their offense on the field against a Michigan State defense that was among the best in the nation last year. They wanted to make an early statement on the road and did, very quickly.

Seven plays and 75 yards later in a drive that chipped just 2:02 off the clock, Utah State punched it in the end zone. Quarterback Jordan Love was 4-for-4 passing for 68 yards on the possession, punctuated by his 1-yard touchdown run.

"I think I was a little bit surprised, I think we were all a little bit surprised, how fast Utah State was able to run their offense," Michigan State defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Mike Tressel said.