Observations on the loss to Michigan State, 21-35

Observations on the loss to Michigan State, 21-35!

Post Game Press Conference: Michigan State

Player Participation: Michigan State

1-Michigan State earns with 5 red zones, two big plays TDs of 61 and 64 yards, and converts all three second half red zones for 21 points including two in the 4th quarter when the game was on the line to break a tie and earn a deserved win. Michigan eans three red zones (only one in the second half) and converts all three for 21 points, but can't score, create any offense or red zones in the 4th quarter when they needed it and give the Spartans two 4th quarter turnovers to earn another loss. Each team scores 7 points off turnover.

2-Threet was 13 of 27 for 168 yards, 1 TD, 4 sacks, 3 interceptions and ends up with 14 carries for 19 net yards and another TD. Offense had four 3 and outs, 8 punts, 3 turnovers, 13 first downs, 252 net yards with 3 of 13 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. As a result of such a poor offense, the Spartans held a 10 and a half minute time of possession advantage that results in 20 extra offensive plays for Michigan State.

3-Minor scored on a 3 yard run and a 19 yard pass to account for 2 TDs; he finished with 55 yards in 15 carries. Our net rushing was only 84 yards. No running game, no win. Give the Spartans credit for choking our offense in the 4th quarter when they needed to for the win.

4-Well, so much for Brandon Graham's guarantees. Our defense gives up 473 net yards to the Spartans including 22 first downs. Hoyer was 17 of 29 for 282 yards, 3 TDs and 5 sacks. Ringer had 37 carries for 192 yards and 2 TDs plus 2 catches for 25 yards. Blair White catches 4 passes for 143 yards and a TD. We couldn't stop Ringer, and we couldn't stop the Spartan offense in the second half especially not in the 4th quarter with a tie game. The Spartans were 10 of 19 in 3rd and 4th down conversions, and kudos to a gusty 4th down call by Dantonio to maintain time of possession with the game on the line! Our defensive backfield was burned from start to finish, and our poor safety play on pass coverage was a great strategy by the Spartan coaching staff to exploit and expose. Stevie Brown, Charles Stewart and Brandon Harrison couldn't step up and cover their receivers, tackle or make plays when needed. No defensive stars today, Obi Ezeh did have 10 tackles, Brandon Graham did have 3 sacks, but none of them stepped up and made a difference in the 4th quarter.

5-Michigan State was the team today who maintained their composure, and responded to the challenge with the game on the line. We caved, and were outplayed, outhustled and outcoached in the last quarter. The Spartans come in as favorites for the first time since 1968 in the Big House, and respond with a win and cover the spread with the game on the line when they had to. It was a great win for the Spartans! It was their first win at Michigan Stadium since 1990.

6-It looks like 2-10 since Minnesota will win the Brown Jug at home. Rodriquez has already publicly said we have 3 rivalries: Notre Dame, Michigan State and Ohio State. Apparently, he hasn't read about the Brown Jug. We definitely lose at Columbus, and it is doubtful we'll be able to win at Purdue even though they are also a weak team. Northwestern will probably score 30 or 40 points on us. Our defense has given up 45 to Illinois, 46 to Penn State and 35 to Michigan State; we are the #11 defensive team in the Big Ten. We will finish 11th in the Big Ten this year. Central Michigan beat Toledo today; out of 13 MAC teams, this year's team may not even be able to beat half of them. We probably get beat by Ball State, Central Michigan, Toledo, Northern Illinois, Bowling Green and Akron while we may be able to eak out wins over Miami-OH, Western Michigan, Kent State, Ohio University, Temple and Buffalo.
Observations on the first half with Michigan State, 14-14!

1-Michigan comes up with two red zones and converts both including one off a Spartan turnover while Michigan State comes up with two big play TDs of 64 and 61 yards to finish the first half with a draw!

2-Threet finished the first half with 6 of 11 for 81 yards, 1 TD, 1 sack and one interception to go with 8 rushes for 24 yards. Offense has two 3 and outs and only 7 first downs, but responds with a great drive in the last minute of the first half to tie things up. Offense finished with 2 of 6 in 3rd down conversion, two of two in red zones for 14 points and has 129 net yards in offense. Koger grabs a 35 yarder that set up the final red zone opportunity. Odoms has 3 catches for 14 yards.

3-Minor scores on a 3 yard run and a 19 yard pass to account for both TDs; he finished the first half with 7 carries for 14 yards. Net rushing was only 48 yards.

4-Obi Ezeh had 6 tackles, and John Thompson had 5 including a blocked field goal to lead the defense. Stevie Brown had 4 tackles and forced a fumble although he missed the tackle on the 61 yard opening drive TD pass to White. Mouton forced the other fumble. Cissoko is doing a nice job on cover, and has a pass break up. Brandon Graham gets a sack, and we get another sack that Stevie Brown recovers the fumble to set up a red zone. Hoyer is 8 of 15 for 137 yards, 2 sacks, and 1 TD. Ringer has 19 carries for 107 yards and a TD, and 2 catches for 25 yards. We stop Ringer, and we stop the Spartan offense. Spartans maintained a 4 and a half minute time of possession advantage, and were 4 of 8 in 3rd down conversions with 270 net yards, 11 first downs, but zero for one in red zone.

5-Special teams have done a nice job on kickoff and punt coverage. Mesko has 4 punts, 2 over 50 yards. Gingell has some nice kickoffs, and we have had great coverage. We have negated two Spartan scoring attempts on field goals.

6-Sometimes it is better to be lucky than good, and we have shows signs of luck and better play. It is nice to see fire in the eyes of Coach Rod, and the players; hopefully, we'll respond in the second half to win this one.