Michigan State refreshed as Holiday Bowl practice begins

Michigan State safety Khari Willis (27) celebrates an incompletion with Michigan State cornerback Justin Layne (2) during their Big Ten football game against Penn State at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Mich. on Saturday, November 4, 2017. (Hunter Dyke | MLive.com)

EAST LANSING - Chris Frey was passing Kyonta Stallworth inside the Duffy Daugherty Building Friday and heard the redshirt sophomore defensive tackle mention how he hadn't practiced in a year.

"I was like, 'no, it's been two weeks. I'm glad you feel that way, though,'" Frey, a Michigan State senior linebacker said with a laugh.

The layoff may have seemed longer to some than others, but Michigan State returned to the field for its first full-speed bowl game practice on Friday. The No. 16 Spartans (9-3, 7-2 Big Ten) are preparing to face No. 18 Washington State (9-3, 6-3 Pac-12) in the Dec. 28 Holiday Bowl in San Diego.

"Not really a reset, but basically just pick back up where we left off," Michigan State junior running back LJ Scott said Friday. "We came out here and there was a lot of intensity today, a lot of flying around, a lot of yelling, a lot of hitting. I feel like we definitely got back in the groove quick and we'll be ready for Washington (State)."

Following a 3-9 season last year, Michigan State flipped its record and capped the regular season with a 40-7 win at Rutgers on Nov. 25.

"Having two weeks off after Rutgers - what are you doing in that time? You're taking care of your body and just moving forward," Michigan State sophomore linebacker Joe Bachie said. "We've got to keep pushing, keep having fun with this whole thing and try and go win 10."

Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio said the team had running, lifting and 7-on-7 exercises prior to Friday's practice and the focus was technique-oriented and focused on timing. The Spartans have final exams this week and will return to practice on Friday.

"It was exciting just to get back out and finally get to playing football," Michigan State junior safety Khari Willis said. "The longer you play, I feel like the happier we are as a team."

The recent break was the first for Michigan State since its mid-September bye week. The Spartans played 10 straight weeks to close the regular season and expect to be refreshed for the Holiday Bowl later this month.

"We had an early bye week this year and to be able to have these extra few days off now before this game is huge for our bodies, huge for this team," Frey said. "It allows us to get our minds right, our bodies right and get ready to go out there and have a great game."

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