KALAMAZOO, Mich. — There was no opponent tied to the workouts, no scheme or system placed on display for motivation, but it was clear that Oregon's presence loomed over Michigan State's defensive efforts during fall camp.
There was no other pressing reason for the No. 6 Spartans to work on their tempo. For defenders, tempo isn't a positive; it's a negative in all shapes and forms, a tool used by opposing offenses to wear down and erode defensive production and consistency through constant speed, activity and repetition — see, for example, the way Oregon ran down the Spartans' proud defense during the second half of last September's non-conference win.