Michigan State walked into Madison already short-handed and left with a reminder of how steep the climb still is.
Without star running back Cam Edwards, the Spartans never found any traction on offense and were beaten soundly by Wisconsin, 31-3, on Saturday afternoon. The defeat came after Michigan State had managed only 88 points through its first four games, the fewest in the Big Ten and the only team in the conference still below 100 points. That number will have to wait until Week 6.
The Spartans were undone from the start. Wisconsin opened with a 17-0 burst and never let the game drift back in Michigan State’s direction, turning what had been a chance to spoil the Badgers’ homecoming into a one-sided afternoon.
The offense looked stuck in neutral from the opening drive. Michigan State’s line had already allowed 10 sacks entering the game, and the pressure has clearly worn down quarterback Alessio Milivojevic. He appeared to rush through his reads before plays could develop, only to be forced into throws in crowded windows when his options failed to separate.
The run game didn’t offer much relief either. With Edwards gone for the season, Michigan State is leaning on Jaz Patterson, who can grind out yards between the tackles but does not bring the same breakaway threat. That missing explosiveness has left the Spartans searching for an identity on offense.
The problems weren’t limited to that side of the ball. Wisconsin pieced together long drives and kept Michigan State on the field, especially on third down early. The Badgers converted their first five third-down tries, building the kind of control that made the game feel out of reach long before the final margin settled at 31-3.
Michigan State also had no answer for Wisconsin quarterback Colton Joseph. He had more than 50 rushing yards in the first quarter alone and kept making plays with both his arm and his legs to extend drives. Once the Badgers found room on the ground, the Spartans had to bring more defenders toward the line, which exposed an already injury-riddled secondary to more damage.
Wisconsin was the better team by a wide margin, but the bigger story for Michigan State was the same one that has followed it all season: the Spartans are still trying to find a way to function on offense, and right now they are a long way from having the answers.
In Other News...
Michigan State Suddenly Has Bigger Questions Than Just One Ugly Loss
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Cam Fanchers non-contact leg injury only adds another layer to the uncertainty. Michigan State now has to think about reshuffling its approach, and that could mean more touches for younger receivers and a fresh look at the play-calling, because the current formula is not giving the Spartans enough answers. [Read more 🡒]
Michigan State Just Became Part Of An Awkward Rankings Story
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The rankings are also expected to shift near the top, with changes looming among the top seven teams and Mississippi State likely to fall after its loss to Alabama. Add in a handful of other teams that should move based on recent performances, and this feels like one of those poll weeks where the AP voters have plenty to sort through, even before the debate around Michigan States place in the aftermath really starts. [Read more 🡒]
Michigan State's Wisconsin Loss Exposed Problems Fans Can't Ignore
Michigan States latest loss to Wisconsin left plenty to sort through, and not much of it was comforting for a team still trying to find its footing. The Spartans had trouble controlling the line of scrimmage, couldnt generate enough from the passing game, and continued to come up short in the kinds of situations that decide close games, especially on third and fourth down.
There were a few encouraging signs to hang onto, including a strong punting effort and cleaner football overall with fewer penalties and no turnovers. Still, the bigger picture is hard to ignore: the defense had too many problems getting off the field, the offense lacked reliable production at wide receiver, and the issues that showed up in Madison are the kind that can linger if they are not fixed quickly. [Read more 🡒]