The Michigan State Spartans have already doubled their win total from a year ago through seven games this season. In the eyes of many, anything positive that follows this 6-1 start will be considered gravy, given the type of season they endured in 2016.
A lot of their rejuvenated success in 2017 has been directly correlated to linebacker Joe Bachie. The true sophomore was just recently tabbed as a co-defensive player in the week in the Big Ten for his performance against Indiana.
Congratulations @JoeBach35 on being named week eight co-defensive player of the week by @B1Gfootball #TheBestStartHere #GoGreen pic.twitter.com/Tgw9B3OsFh
— Michigan State Football (@MSU_Football) October 23, 2017
Bachie logged a season-high 13 tackles and forced a fumble in the Spartans’ 17-9 Homecoming victory over the Hoosiers on Saturday in East Lansing. It was the fourth game in which Bachie recorded double-digit tackles.
The 6-3, 233-pound sophomore out of Cleveland has now earned defensive player of the week honors twice in the last three weeks for MSU. He was also given the weekly accolade after Michigan State upended arch-rival Michigan three weeks ago in the Big House. Bachie in that game against the Wolverines logged 10 tackles, one interception, one pass deflection and one forced fumble.
Bachie this week shares the honor with Penn State linebacker Jason Cabinda, who notched 13 tackles and a forced fumble in their blowout victory over Michigan this past Saturday.
Bachie this season leads Michigan State with 63 tackles, putting him in a tie for second in the Big Ten through Week 8. His 5.5 tackles for a loss are second only to another Spartan breakout performer, defensive lineman Kenny Willekes.
Spartans head coach Mark Dantonio has raved of Bachie’s ability going back to the team’s spring game in April. After that scrimmage, Dantonio effectively penciled in his sophomore as the team’s starting middle linebacker and Bachie has not disappointed.
Bachie and the rest of the MSU team will hit the road next Saturday (10/28) for another big conference game at Northwestern (3:30 p.m. ET on ESPN).
