3 Up, 3 Down: Turnovers cost Michigan State chance at upset vs. Maryland

It was a frustrating afternoon and early evening for Michigan State, who outplayed Maryland in many ways but suffered a 31-9 loss due to untimely miscues and turnovers.

The Spartans outgained the Terrapins (376-362) in total yards, held the ball longer than Maryland (31:20 T.O.P.) and caused problems for opposing quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa throughout the game. But, Michigan State's offense shot itself in the foot with five turnovers and a total of nine points on four red zone trips.

Here are three positive and three negative takeaways from today's loss:

Three Up

1.) Pass rush and pass defense

Michigan State's pass defense was much improved from a week ago. That's not saying a whole lot given how bad last week was, and a lot of that improvement could be due to the opponent, but the Spartans did a better job of keeping plays in front of them and tackling.

Last week, MSU gave up big play after big play down the field, and missed way too many tackles on underneath throws. This week, the Spartans still allowed the underneath throws early, but they did not give up explosive plays, they tackled well and really shut the Terrapins down in the final two and a half quarters.

Like last week, Michigan State was able to pressure the quarterback, but the Spartans got better results against Maryland. MSU finished with seven QB hurries, and pressure on one play resulted in an interception in the endzone for nickelback Angelo Grose. The Spartans' effort on defense was good enough to get a win, but the offense didn't hold up it's end of things.

2.) MSU's run game

We bemoaned Michigan State's poor run blocking throughout the week, but the Spartans got a much better push up front in this one, and the results were evident. MSU averaged five yards per carry when removing lost sack-yardage.

Tailback Nathan Carter had a crucial fumble in the second quarter, but he had a strong day otherwise carrying the ball with 97 yards on 19 attempts. MSU called several designed runs for quarterback Noah Kim, which were effective. We saw some things for the Spartans' run game to build on in this one.

3.) Solid days for Montorie Foster, Maliq Carr

Senior wide receiver Montorie Foster Jr. was excellent in the first half today, with six catches for 67 yards in the first 30 minutes. Unfortunately, Foster dropped what should have been a touchdown at the end of the half, and he did not have a catch in the second half. Regardless, he proved to be another reliable receiving option.

Also, tight end Maliq Carr had a solid day, finishing with five catches for 53 yards. I'd like to see Carr utilized in the red zone more frequently. He's a big target and one of MSU's best players. I don't know why he's sidelined so often when the Spartans are in scoring position.

Three Down

1.) Noah Kim struggles

Michigan State outplayed Maryland for large portions of this game, but three turnovers proved costly.

Quarterback Noah Kim threw two ugly interceptions, and came close to throwing a third. It was another tough day for MSU's starting quarterback, who finished the day completing 18-of-33 attempts for 190 yards. Kim did throw a touchdown pass to Tyrell Henry, and had two passes on the Spartans' final first half drive dropped that would have gone for touchdowns.

While the drops are notable, the fact of the matter is Kim wasn't good enough to give Michigan State a chance to win today. His accuracy has been inconsistent at best, and he's overthrown receivers who probably would have scored touchdowns if Kim had been on target.

Early in the fourth quarter, Kim came off the field limping after taking a sack and did not return. It's unclear if Kim was benched in favor of backup Katin Houser, or if it was the injury which forced the coaching staff's hand. Either way, we should have an on-going quarterback competition again after Houser completed 6-of-10 attempts for 75 yards today.

3.) Five turnovers

Kim was far from the only issue for Michigan State's offense today. Houser overthrew Carter on a screen pass in the red zone and was intercepted in the fourth quarter, when the Spartans' still had a chance to make things interesting.

Also, wide receiver Alante Brown caught a kickoff a couple yards deep in the end zone, decided to bring the ball out, and wound up fumbling on the return. Just a dumb decision and a dumb play all around by the Nebraska transfer. Throw in Carter's fumble and Kim two interceptions and Michigan State finished minus-four in the turnover battle. This team isn't nearly good enough to survive that.

3.) Special teams woes

Michigan State's special teams had a rough outing. The Spartans had a field goal blocked at the end of the first half, and the coverage unit allowed Maryland's punter to scramble for 14 yards on a 4th-and-long on a fake punt.

Then, early in the fourth quarter, punter Michael O'Shaughnessy had a dreadful attempt from his own 10 yard line that only netted the Spartans 22 yards of field position. MSU had battled to stay in the game to that point, but the bad punt gifted Maryland three points on the short field.

Maryland scored 31 points, and beat Michigan State by 22. The Terrapins scored 21 of their points off turnovers. On four red zone trips, with the potential of 28 points, the Spartans scored just nine.

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