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Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch of the USA TODAY Network gives three instant takeaways from Michigan State football’s 38-16 loss at Illinois on Saturday in Champaign, Illinois at Memorial Stadium.
1. Another tough day for Michigan State football vs. Illinois. What’s left of this season is a different kind of hard.
Thank goodness for that Iowa game. Otherwise, this Michigan State football season would feel like a never-ending slide into the abyss. As it is, things aren’t great, with Saturday’s 38-16 defeat at Illinois a slow but inevitable demise, the Spartans’ sixth loss in seven games.
The season is at the stage where excitement is long gone, injuries have mounted, the offensive line — once improving — has regressed to the point MSU has almost no chance against a decent opponent (more on that below).
What’s left is a test of this team’s will to finish strong, to be better than the bottom of the Big Ten, to perhaps play a 13th game, if the Spartans can win the next two — at home against Purdue on Friday, and Rutgers, the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Torrie Cox Jr. flips Michigan State Spartans quarterback Aidan Chiles on this tackle during the first half at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Champaign, Illinois.
That would create some internal momentum and better vibes. I think that stuff matters, even if the fanbase moves onto basketball and hockey — two options and distractions most schools that ache for football success don’t have.
The issues are clear. That part of the Year 1 evaluation for Jonathan Smith and Co. should be clear — the offensive line, seasoning at quarterback, depth on defense, a need for more guys who scare opponents.
From here on, for the next couple weeks, it’s about character and mettle and culture.
2. Mission…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/michigan-state-football-loss-illinois-233544551.html
Author : Detroit Free Press
Publish date : 2024-11-16 23:35:44
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