Observations on the first half with Michigan State, 10-14

Each team scored 7 points in their only red zone opportunity, and neither team has turned the ball over.

Offense has 12 first downs with 233 yards in 38 plays with 83 on the ground; we are only 2 of 8 in 3rd down conversions. Joe Milton is 13 of 20 for 150 yards, and was sacked once; he ran 6 times for 29 yards. Hassan Haskins has 4 carries for 36 yards. Blake Corum has 2 carries for 8 yards and a TD. Zach Charbonnet and Chris Evans have 5 carries between them for only 12 yards. Giles Jackson has 4 receptions for 46 yards. Michigan State is well-prepared, and was led by Tre Person with 7 tackles. We had nearly 5 minutes of time of possession advantage, but only 4 more offensive plays.

Defense had looked bad especially at cornerback. MSU has 9 first downs, and 174 yards in 34 plays. Rocky Lombardi has completed 5 of 13 for 96 yards and 2 TDs. Jordan Simmons has 10 carries for 44 yards including a 28 yarder that set up their first passing TD. Jalen Nailor caught a 53 yarder. Ricky White caught a 30 yard TD. Connor Heyward caught a 2 yard TD, and has 8 carries for 13 yards. Our leading tackler, Cam McGrone left with an injury just before half; he has 7 tackles. Daxton Hill and Aidan Hutchinson have 5 tackles each. We are not getting enough pressure on Lombardi; we have only one quarterback hit on him.

Special Teams have been mediocre. The Spartans have 5 punts with 4 over 50 yards; the Wolverines have 5 punts with 2 downed inside the 20. Giles Jackson continues to make poor decisions as our deep kickoff and punt returner, but he did get a 38 yard kickoff and 32 yard punt return. Jake Moody has 3 kickoffs for 3 touchbacks, and Quinn Nordin hit his only field goal attempt.

Second Half will be close! If we are to win, we can't turn the ball over, and our defense must contain the Spartans so the offense will have a shot to win it. Don Brown has got to make the halftime adjustments for the defense. Go Blue!