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Here's why Michigan State football's Cal Haladay may be the defensive MVP this year

PISCATAWAY, N.J. — The difference Cal Haladay made on Michigan State football’s defense was stark.

The sophomore linebacker returned from a first-half targeting suspension to help the 11th-ranked Spartans shut out Rutgers after halftime in Saturday’s 31-13 victory at SHI Stadium.

Haladay, who finished with four tackles, had to sit out the first half after getting ejected in the fourth quarter of last Saturday’s win over Western Kentucky.

“He plays hard, he knows the defense, he knows where he's supposed to be. He can play fast, and he's a tackler,” MSU coach Mel Tucker said.