Michigan State in trouble with Oregon looming
Stifling defense has been the hallmark of Michigan State football for years. However, heading into Week 2, there are legitimate questions regarding this year’s squad—particularly its pass defense, which gave up 365 yards through the air to Western Michigan on Friday night.
The Spartans were downright putrid in the second half of the contest, and not just on defense. If not for a torrid start to the game, with 20 points in the first quarter, an opening-week loss could easily have been in play. Instead, they squeezed out a 37-24 win.
The Broncos outscored MSU 14-10 after halftime, out-gaining the Spartans 229 to 181 in total yards. By the end of the game, Western Michigan had put up 24 points and chewed up 383 total yards while winning the time-of-possession battle.
Connor Cook didn’t have his best game, either. The senior completed less than half his passes (15 of 31) for 256 yards, though he didn’t turn the ball over while throwing two touchdowns.
This performance by the Spartans is troubling with the mighty Oregon Ducks looming in Week 2. Michigan State better get its act together, because another performance of this nature will result in a blowout loss next weekend at Spartan Stadium.