EAST LANSING, Mich. – The Western Michigan football team dropped its season-opener, 23-6, against Michigan State at Spartan Stadium on Friday night.
The Bronco defense held the Spartans scoreless in the second half, with MSU only scoring two points off of a safety. Western Michigan (0-1) scored late in the game when graduate student Tate Hallock picked off a pass by Alessio Milivojevic, returning it 32 yards for a touchdown.
Hallock led WMU with 9 tackles, also making one tackle for loss. Houston transfer Nadame Tucker had c career-high night in his Bronco debut with five tackles, three tackles for loss, two sacks and a forced fumble. Joey Pope also had a career-high night with seven tackles and a tackle for loss. Another transfer, linebacker James Camden, made an instant impact with six tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and a forced fumble and sack.
Junior college transfer Brady Jones had 11 completions and 97 yards in his Bronco debut at quarterback, while redshirt sophomore Broc Lowry completed five passes for 91 yards and rushing for 19. Wide receiver Tailique Williams had a team-high six receptions for 74 yards in his debut in the Brown & Gold, while San Diego State transfer Baylin Brooks had a team-high 85 yards receiving.
The Broncos got the ball first and quickly went down the field. Jones connected on his first career pass with Williams for 35 yards. Jones connected again with Williams and also used his legs to get WMU to the MSU 26. The Broncos went for it on fourth down but Jones' pass to Williams was broken up.
The Spartans took over and went down the field for a touchdown on a 10-play, 74-yard drive. Brandon Tullis rushed it in from the 12 to put MSU up 7-0 with 5:30 to play in the first quarter.
Michigan State scored again early in the second quarter, on another 10-play drive. This time Aidan Chiles connected with receiver Nick Marsh from seven yards to push the lead to 14-0. MSU scored again with 1:50 left in the half when Makhi Frazier ran it in from nine yards.
MSU added two points to make it 23-0 with 8:01 left in the third quarter when Jalen Buckley was stopped in the endzone for the safety.
Western Michigan is back in action next Saturday, hosting North Texas at 3:30 p.m. The game can be watched live on ESPN+ and heard live on the Bronco Media Network. Tickets are on-sale at www.wmubroncos.com/tickets.
