Michigan State’s 31-3 loss to Wisconsin sent Spartan Nation into full-blown frustration, with the early hole and the lack of offense setting the tone for a rough afternoon.
The Spartans were already under pressure entering their second Big Ten game of the season, with both the players and head coach Pat Fitzgerald needing to show something right away. Instead, MSU opened by surrendering 14 points in the first quarter without answering, a start that left little room for optimism.
“I’m surprised you ever thought MSU gonna do anything.”
“This MSU Football product is trash man. I feel like we get worse each week”
Wisconsin added only three points in the second quarter, and MSU’s defense did at least steady itself for a stretch. The Spartans also got on the board with a field goal, but the offense never found any real rhythm, and the deficit stayed at 14 heading into halftime.
“msu has gotten to be the worst football team in college football they make michigan look like contenders.”
“Kick a fg on 4th & 1 down 17 strikes me as nonsensical & risk adverse behavior. I’m pretty much out on Fitzgerald & this era of msu.”
The third quarter brought more of the same. The defense kept the Badgers to one score, but the offense still couldn’t put together a meaningful drive, and the margin grew anyway. That left the biggest concern pointed squarely at the other side of the ball, with fans increasingly focused on what MSU’s offense can actually produce.
“He was a bad hire from the start. Total dumb MSU move. We can never figure it out”
The final quarter followed the same script. MSU’s defense and special teams had stretches that were solid enough, but 31 points allowed and only three scored told the story. The result was never really in doubt, and the reaction online only got harsher as the game wore on.
“This is by far the worst QB play I’ve ever seen btwn UM and MSU at the same time @Sheehan_Sports @Castellani2014”
“MSU football really bummed me out today. Not only are we no better than last year, there are 0 bright sides to look at or positive things to build on.
This team flat out sucks and is coached poorly. I am not sure this team would make it to the MAC championship!”
It was an ugly afternoon for MSU, and the Spartans will now try to bounce back.
In Other News...
Michigan State Suddenly Has Bigger Questions Than Just One Ugly Loss
The 31-3 loss to Wisconsin left Michigan State with more to sort through than a bad afternoon on the scoreboard. Joe Rossis defense drew scrutiny for how easily the game got away, but the offensive side may have created even more concern, with the Cam Fancher package not providing the spark the Spartans needed and the entire operation looking stuck far too often.
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
Wisconsins win over Michigan State did more than tighten the Big Ten picture. It put the Badgers in line to crack the AP Top 25, adding another layer to a weekend that already figures to shake up the national poll and send a few familiar names sliding around the board. For the Spartans, it is another reminder of how one result can ripple well beyond a single box score.
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 🡒]