The Michigan State Spartans are wrapping up their bye week and preparing for a match-up with the Iowa Hawkeyes under the lights at Spartan Stadium. 

Michigan State has looked vastly improved this season under Coach Jonathan Smith compared to the last two seasons. 

The Spartans are much better prepared and better coached, and although they may not have as much talent as some of the teams they play, they are able to compete. 

The coaching staff has gotten great play out of some of the talent on this Spartans squad. The individual performances, especially defensively, have helped Michigan State get to where they are. 

During the bye week, we have broken down several of those players. You can read those here.

Today’s breakdown is of defensive end Khris Bogle. The sixth-year senior has battled injuries in his time in East Lansing, but he has put together a healthy season in 2024 and has been impressive. 

On the season, Bogle has totaled 22 tackles (six off a career-high), five for loss, and three sacks (one off a career-high). 

Bogle transferred to Michigan State from Florida after the 2021 season. Prior to this season, he played in only 14 games. 

Bogle was primarily a run-stopping defensive end in the previous coaching staff’s scheme. When Defensive Coordinator Joe Rossi and Rush Ends Coach Chad Wilt came in, they realized Bogle had potential as a stand-up edge rusher. 

That belief in him has paid off, as Bogle is having a resurgent year. According to Pro Football Focus, he has totaled eight pressures and converted three into sacks. His career-high is 14 pressures in 2020. 

Bogle is a well-built, strong defensive end whose presence off the edge has been noticeable this season. He is having the best season of his Spartan career, and he must continue to build on it as the Spartans are three wins shy of bowl eligibility. 

Bogle must show up against the best teams the Spartans play. He did not put up excellent numbers against Oregon and Ohio State, which has been a theme for the Spartans in recent years. 

Michigan State will lean on Bogle moving forward, as he looks to keep getting after the quarterback.

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Associated Press

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. (AP) — Quarterback Parker Navarro accounted for 323 yards and two touchdowns and Ohio held off Central Michigan for a 27-25 win on Saturday.

The Bobcats (4-2. 2-0 Mid-American) took a 3-0 lead on Gianni Spetic’s 35-yard field goal on the opening drive. Navarro’s 8-yard scoring run made it 10-0 in the second quarter. Navarro threw a 5-yard touchdown to Coleman Owen, and after a three-and-out, Duncan Brune ran it in from the 4 for a 24-0 lead.

Central Michigan (3-3, 1-1) reduced the deficit to 24-8 when Marion Lukes ran it in from the 3 and Tyler Jefferson threw to Lukes for the two-point conversion with 8:19 left in the third.

Tristan Mattson made a 37-yard field goal to start the fourth and Lukes ran it in from the 4 following Donte Kent’s 70-yard punt return to reduce the deficit to 24-18.

Spetic made it a two-score game when he converted a 46-yard field goal with 5:17 left for 27-18 Ohio lead.

Lukes recorded a 28-yard scoring run and brought the Bobcats within 27-25 with 1:52 left. The Chippewas bypassed an on-side kick attempt and Ohio killed the clock in six plays picking up two first downs.

Navarro ran for 176 yards on 14 carries and threw for 147 yards.

Lukes ran for 110 yards on 20 carries and scored three touchdowns for Central Michigan.

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