Observations on the first half with Michigan State, 10-7

Michigan had two first quarter red zones for 10 points; Michigan State had a second quarter red zone for 7 points. The Wolverines scored 3 points off one Spartan turnover.

Offense did a poor job! Offense could only gain 146 net yards with 87 on the ground against a weak Spartan defense; they were 4 of 10 in 3rd and 4th down conversions with 10 first downs. Bryce Underwood hit 7 of 15 passes for 59 yards, and ran twice for 19 yards and a TD. Justice Haynes ran 11 times for 50 yards, and caught 3 passes for 19 yards. Jordan Marshall ran 7 times for 28 yards. Semaj Morgan ran a reverse for 6 yards. Andrew Marsh caught 2 passes for 27 yards. Donoven McCulley caught one 9 yard pass. Jordan Hall led the Spartan defense with 9 tackles.

Defense forced the Spartans into four "three and outs;" however, they gave up 103 net yards with 77 on the ground on a second quarter drive that resulted in a TD. We forced Michigan State into 5 punts, and only 4 first downs; the Spartans converted 3 of 10 in 3rd and 4th down. Makhi Frazier ran 10 times for 86 yards. Aidan Chiles hit 4 of 13 for 26 yards, but ran 9 times for -12 yards and a TD. Michigan held a 2 minute time of possession advantage that resulted in 4 more offensive plays. Jimmy Rolder led the Wolverine defense with 5 tackles including a sack. Jyaire Hill missed intercepting two passes that could have really changed things in the half.

Special Teams were good! Hudson Hollenback punted 4 times for a 47.3 yard average. Dominic Zvada hit a 21 yard field goal. Semaj Morgan really needs to be better at decision making on punt returns; he collided with Goodwin on one, and fair caught another punt at the 5 yard line. Characteristicly, Michigan State had 7 penalties for 85 yards.

In the Second Half, we need to take the opening kickoff and ram the ball down the Spartans throat, and gain a two score lead. We are letting the Spartans in the game when we should be tearing apart their defense. Go Blue!