Michigan Football: Michigan State Players to Watch
By Jay Meade
Oct 3, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans linebacker Riley Bullough (30) looks to the sidelines during the 2nd half of a game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Spartan Stadium. MSU won 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Speaking of guys who can reap the benefits of Shilique Calhoun, let’s take a look at Riley Bullough. Already this season he has racked up 48 total tackles (23 solo, 25 assisted). Of those, 3.5 have gone for a loss, and three of those are sacks. Bullough even has a fumble recovery this season. The only stat he hasn’t eclipsed is the one pick he got last year.
Bullough is looking like a sure thing so far. He has the presence of mind to dissect a play, seemingly before the ball is even snapped. Watching Bullough is actually kind of exciting, I mean the guy is everywhere.
The Michigan fan in me is scared and excited at the same time. I would love to see the Michigan running backs test his will, test his strength. I don’t necessarily fear Bullough, but at the same time, he will provide a great test to see if Rudock can read the defense well enough.
Bullough isn’t overly athletic, but he isn’t a linemen either. Michigan will do well getting a couple pads on Bullough or finding ways to slow Bullough from getting to the play in the first place. I wouldn’t be surprised if play action is called a lot in this game.