First Half Analysis: Turnovers, red zone miscues leave MSU trailing big vs. Maryland

Michigan State had more offensive yards, ran 10 more plays and won the time of possession battle in the first half against Maryland, but crucial mistakes left the Spartans trailing 21-3 at halftime.

MSU had two turnovers, were held to three points on two trips inside the red zone, and had a blocked field goal. Those plays were the difference in what turned into a three-possession deficit at the break. Here's some first half observations:

Offense

- A tough start for Noah Kim. After a completion to Montorie Foster to convert a 3rd-and-11 on Michigan State's first drive, Kim had Tre Mosley open on a deep post pattern but he was late with the throw and was intercepted by Maryland's Beau Brade. The Spartans had something going on that opening drive before the mistake by Kim.

- Michigan State reeled off a few good runs on their second possession, as the offensive line reset the line of scrimmage and Nathan Carter found running room. However, similar issues emerged down by the goal line. Tight end Jaylan Franklin was hit with a holding penalty, which put the Spartans behind the chains. Then, a stretch run to Carter on fourth and goal had no chance, and MSU came away with no points. I didn't like the play call, and once again the run blocking failed to get any push in a crucial spot.

- Carter has been really good early this season for MSU, but that fumble on the Spartans' third possession was a critical mistake. Michigan State was already down 14-0, and needed to put a drive together to stay within striking distance of the Terrapins. Instead, Carter's fumble set up Maryland with great field position at MSU's 32 yard line, and the Terps scored again four plays later to extend the lead to three touchdowns.

- It was a good first half for Montorie Foster Jr., who had 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. Meanwhile, Carter was heavily featured in the first half, with 51 rushing yards on 13 carries, as well as 23 receiving yards on four catches.

- Outside of the interception, Kim had a solid half for MSU. Yes, there were a couple other misthrows, but the redshirt junior finished the half completing 14-of-24 attempts for 135 yards. That's not a bad stat line, and it should have been better — both Foster and Franklin dropped what should have been touchdown catches at the end of the first half.

Defense

- A pair of true freshmen got the start for Michigan State in linebacker Jordan Hall and cornerback Chance Rucker.

- Michigan State's defense did a better job of keeping plays in front of them than they did a week ago, but the Spartans struggled to get off the field on third down. Maryland converted 4-of-5 times in those situations. The Spartans also struggled against the run, allowing the Terps to average 6.3 yards per carry. Those were bigger issues that MSU's pass defense. Maryland quarterback Taulia Tagvailoa only had 91 yards on 11-of-16 attempts in the first half.

- Malik Spencer led Michigan State with five tackles, while Jaden Mangham and Dillon Tatum each added four. Cal Haladay had three tackles, including one for loss. Aaron Brule had a pass breakup and a QB hurry in the first half.

For more coverage of Michigan State Athletics:

Subscribe to our YouTube channel: @SpartanNationPodcast
Follow us on Facebook: @SpartanNation
Follow us on Twitter: @mlounsberry_SI | @a3danm