Dantonio: R.J. Williamson Will Be 'Full Go' For Cotton Bowl
By Ashley Scoby
@AshleyScoby
The injury bug hasn't exactly been kind to Michigan State, even as they've rolled to a College Football Playoff spot on New Year's Eve. But the Spartans are getting at least one piece back before the matchup against Alabama, when starting safety R.J. Williamson makes his return.
Williamson tore his left biceps in the game against Purdue in October. In only four and a half games this season, Williamson has 24 tackles, two tackles for loss, two interceptions and one fumble recovery (returned for a 64-yard touchdown).
Head coach Mark Dantonio had previously said Williamson likely wouldn't be back until the bowl game. Now with Alabama looming, the fifth-year senior will finally get to return to the field.
"I expect R.J.to be full go," Dantonio said at his pre-bowl press conference Wednesday. "Now, we will have not played a game, but he looked very, very good this week thus far."
The Spartans have lost several starters this season on their way to the playoffs. Offensive tackle Dennis Finley broke his leg, linebacker Ed Davis ended his season in fall camp with a knee injury and cornerback Vayante Copeland suffered a season-ending neck injury.
Quarterback Connor Cook has been banged up through the latter part of the season, too, although he is expected to play against Alabama.
Although MSU has suffered through injuries all season, Williamson returning will be a crucial piece to making it to the national championship game. The Spartans are a lackluster 75th in Division-I in passing defense, but 21st in interceptions (15).
Coincidentally, Alabama hasn't fared well through the air, ranking 73rd in the country in passing offense and 36th in scoring (34.1 points per game).
"We're working him (Williamson) back into it, but he looks very good and he looks active and he looks ready to go," Dantonio said. "He has such a great deal of experience that he's going to adapt very quickly in that area."
