While Michigan State may have defeated the South Florida Bulls 21-6, 14 of those points came once more from defensive touchdowns. In reality, the Spartans won 7-6. What is Mark Dantonio going to do?
Michigan State needs a quarterback and they need it now. Andrew Maxwell went 4-for-9 for 40 yards. Connor Cook, 6-for-11 for 32 yards, with another 10 from rushing. And Tyler O’Connor 2-for-4 for 22 yards.
The Spartans only offensive score came from a Jeremy Langford carry for 2-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.
Spartan quarterbacks had 94 total passing yard with no TD’s in Saturday’s win over the Bulls. And they are running out of time to remedy this situation.
With a big matchup against longtime rivals Notre Dame looming next week, Michigan State will look to the Penguins of Youngstown State this weekend to find their field general.
The Spartans defense is solid, perhaps in the top three in the Big Ten and one of the toughest in the country. Shilique Calhoun scored two touchdowns for the Spartans on defense, contributing three so far this season.
Calhoun scored first off a 4-yard fumble return in the second quarter and again on a 56-yard interception return in the third.
Michigan State has a total of 28 points this season from defensive touchdowns, with just 19 coming from offensive production.
The Spartans cannot move the ball when they have possession. They were 4-for-14 in third down conversions and converted just one fourth down situation. They averaged just under 4-yards per pass and completed 50-percent of attempts in last weekend’s game. For a team that held a share of the Big Ten Conference Title just two seasons ago, they seem to be on a slippery slope to the bottom of the conference.
Before the season started, The Pit had Michigan State slated to go 8-4 for the regular season, losing to each ranked team they face. But if the quarterback situation cannot be fixed, they may not even make 6-6.
The Big Ten is filled with stiff competition. Even the teams at the bottom of the conference are not meant to be underestimated, as we’ve seen them pull the rug from under conference champions time and time again through the season.
And the Spartans can not rely on defense to score all their points in conference play.
Michigan State need to use this week’s game against Youngstown State to their advantage, or fans can expect a slaughter throughout the rest of the season.
And the Penguins might not be an easy challenge for the Spartans anyway. The Missouri Valley Conference team defeated Morehead State in blowout fashion, 67-13. Quarterback Kurt Hess threw for 282-yards and three touchdowns. Hess completed 16-of-19 passes with six different players scoring.
Youngstown State had 718 total yards on offense. The Spartans are the toughest team on the Penguins schedule, but the MSU defense should be able to hold the Penguins at bay. The question will come down to who’s offense can remain consistent, and right now, it is not looking like it will be Michigan State’s.
Michigan State should start O’Connor and work Maxwell and Cook in if needed. O’Connor might be the answer the Spartans need, but we’ve seen so little of him so far.
Michigan State will narrowly win this game, with a final score something to the tune of 17-14. Do not be surprised if Youngstown State walk out of East Lansing victorious.
Damien’s Top Five:
1. Alabama 2. Clemson. 3. Ohio State 4. Oregon 5. Stanford
