EAST LANSING – Michigan State captain Riley Bullough is determined to see his team regains the chip on its shoulder that has been missing during a four-game losing streak.

“We talked about that today, getting that chip back,” said Bullough, who returned to the starting line-up at Mike linebacker last weekend after missing the three previous games with a shoulder injury. “We’ve always been a team that prides ourselves on being hard-nosed, blue collar players. We’ve gotten away from that a little bit, so we’ve got to get back to that.”

Michigan State must regain its competitive edge to win at Maryland this weekend.

“It really starts to snowball, so getting that back will be tough, but it will be huge for our season,” Bullough said. “We feel like if we get a win, and get things rolling that we can turn this thing around.”

Bullough played in last weekend's loss to Northwestern. It was his first appearance since aggravating an injury in the Notre Dame game.

He inched his way back onto the practice field last week. Now, he's back full-time.

“It’s tough, and I hated sitting out,” Bullough said. “It’s good to be back in the thick of things with my guys, and I look forward to continuing to get better with them.”

Bullough’s energy on the practice field has revitalized a beleaguered defense.

“The energy he brings is phenomenal,” senior defensive tackle Brandon Clemons said. “Riley is a natural leader. He’s very enthusiastic, he’s passionate, and he’s smart a smart football player. Having his command and presence on the field just boosts the confidence of the defense.”

Confidence is something that Michigan State has lacked during the past four game.

“He brings that energy,” junior safety Montae Nicholson said. “He brings that swag to us, and that energy to the field. It’s great to have him back on the field. I’m not slighting our other middle linebackers at all, there’s just something about having that Bullough back there in the middle of the field that makes you feel secure so to speak.”