In his first season at Michigan State as the defensive coordinator/linebackers coach after six successful seasons as the defensive coordinator at Minnesota, Joe Rossi continues to field one of the best defenses in the Big Ten. Although the Spartans have been hit with the injury bug, MSU still ranks 34th in the FBS in total defense, allowing 329.0 yards per game. The Spartans have held five opponents under 300 yards of total offense this season (Florida Atlantic, 248; Prairie View A&M, 140; Boston College, 292; Iowa, 283; Michigan, 265). MSU also ranks among the national leaders in rushing defense, allowing just 117.5 yards per game to rank 28th in the FBS. The Spartans held the Boilermakers to minus-4 yards rushing in their last game, a victory over Purdue on Nov. 22. In addition, MSU has only allowed two 100-yard rushers all season. In the linebacker room, Rossi has coached fifth-year senior Jordan Turner, a Wisconsin transfer, to his best season, with 60 tackles, a career-high 9.5 TFLs, three sacks and two interceptions.
