Observations on the first half with the Spartans, 6-13!
Both teams gain one red zone at the end of the second quarter, and the Spartans gain a TD while the Wolverines barely make a field goal. No turnovers for either team.
Offense sputtered their way to 7 first downs, 1 of 6 on 3rd downs for 120 net yards after -39 yard in rushing was deducted from 6 sacks. We continue to give up negative plays. Michigan had 4 minute time of possession advantage, but could do nothing with it and ended up with only 30 offensive plays, 2 less than MSU. Devin Gardner was 8 of 12 for 161 yards. Jeremy Gallon had 4 catches for 68 yards. Jehu Chesson caught a 58 yarder. Fitzgerald Toussaint had 5 carries for 13 yards. Michigan State has 6 sacks including 3 by Shilique Coleman. Curtis Drummond and Denicos Allen had 6 tackles each; Drummond drew a personal foul penalty on our captain, Taylor Lewan.
Defense forced MSU into 3 "3 and outs," but looked bad on the final drive of the half; they were unable to stop the Spartans when needed. Connor Cook was 10 of 18 for 142 yards and a 23 yard TD to Bennie Fowler. Fowler caught 5 for 50 yards. Ramon Taylor leads the defense with 7 tackles, Desmond Morgan has 6, and Joe Bolden has 4. MSU was 4 of 9 in 3rd down conversion, and ended up with 8 first downs, and 158 net yards with 16 on the ground.
Matt Wile hit a field goal, and punted 4 time for 39.5 yards. Brendan Gibbons hit a field goal after it hit the post and bounced inside. Michael Geiger hit two field goals for the Spartans, and Mike Sadler punted 3 times for a 45 yard average.
Second Half will continue to be close, but our offense must be able to put up at least 2 TDs if we are to win this game. Turnovers and points off turnover could be the key. Go Blue!