Observations on the first half with Michigan State, 9-7
Michigan State had two red zones, and came up with 7 points; Michigan gained two red zones late in the first half for 9 points. The Wolverines capitalized on a late Spartan turnover for 3 points.
Offense gained a net of 116 yards with 37 on the ground, and 8 first downs; we were 2 of 5 in 3rd down conversions. Davis Warren was 10 of 11 for 79 yards and a TD; he also scrambled for 7 yards. Donovan Edwards carried 7 times for 23 yards he also caught 2 passes for 17 yards. Kalel Mullings carried 5 times for 7 yards. Coston Loveland caught 5 passes for 44 yards and a TD. Peyton O'Leary caught a 15 yards pass. Malik Spencer led the Spartans with 4 tackles.
Defense held Michigan State to 160 total yards with 119 on the ground; the Spartans had 9 first downs, and were 4 of 8 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. Aidan Chiles hit 5 of 7 for 41 yards, but fumbled for a turnover; he ran 6 times for 24 yards. Nate Carter ran 10 times for 77 yards and a TD; Carter also caught a 26 yard pass. Nick Marsh caught 2 passes for 19 yards. The Spartans controlled the time of possession by 9 minutes, and it gave them 9 more offensive plays. Jaishawn Barham led the defense with 6 tackles; Ernest Hausmann had 5 stops.
Tommy Doman muffed a hold on the extra point; he punted 3 times for a 41.7 yard average with 2 downed inside the 20. Ryan Eckley punted twice for a 52.5 yard average. Tyler Morris ran back a punt for 14 yards. Dominic Zvada kicked the field goal to put us ahead.
Second Half will continue to be a low-scoring defensive struggle! If our coaches make the adjustments, and the players come out and execute them, we could win this one. Go Blue!