College Football

Report: Michigan State loses starting CB Copeland for season with neck injury

Updated Mar. 5, 2020 1:25 a.m. ET

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Michigan State beat Air Force 35-21 on Saturday, but there was still bad news to come out of East Lansing.

The Detroit Free Press reported Vayante Copeland, a redshirt freshman who started the first two games at cornerback for the Spartans, told teammates he is out for the season because of a neck injury.

“It broke my heart when he texted us and said he was out for the season,” teammate Demetrious Cox told the DFP after the game. “It was shocking, especially a younger guy who has come so far. He’s making plays, obviously, and it was tough. But it’s the next-man-up mentality. No matter what happens, somebody’s got to be able to step up and make plays.”

Copeland was injured as the Spartans topped Oregon 31-28 a week earlier.

Senior Arjen Colquhoun moved into the starting lineup with Copeland out against Air Force and had two tackles.

(H/T Detroit Free Press)