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First Half Analysis: MSU's offense stagnant, blows early opportunities vs. Minnesota

The Spartans have gotten nothing going offensively in this one, despite the defense providing them ample opportunity early in the game...
Matthew Lounsberry|
First Half Analysis: MSU's offense stagnant, blows early opportunities vs. Minnesota
First Half Analysis: MSU's offense stagnant, blows early opportunities vs. Minnesota

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Michigan State SpartansMinnesota Golden Gophers

Michigan State is looking to end a five-game losing streak this evening at Minnesota, but the Spartans will have to come from behind to do so.

Depite taking an early 6-0 lead on the Golden Gophers following two forced turnovers, MSU's offense couldn't get anything going against Minnesota. Meanwhile, the Spartans' defense has fought tooth and nail to keep the team in this one, but the Gophers scored the final 10 points of the first half to take a 10-6 lead into the locker room.

Here's what stood out...

Michigan State Defense

  • The Spartans' defense came to play in this one, starting the game with back-to-back forced fumbles on Minnesota's first two possessions. Defensive tackle Derrick Harmon forced the first fumble, which was recovered by safety Jaden Mangham. The second fumble was forced by the freshman sensation at linebacker, Jordan Hall, and recovered by defensive end Avery Dunn.
  • Following that excellent start, the Spartans' defense has been in that "bend don't break" mode that we've seen a lot during Scottie Hazelton's tenure as coordinator. Minnesota made two trips into MSU's red zone, but the Spartans forced two field goal attempts, the first of which was blocked by the recently reinstated Simeon Barrow after his brief stint in the transfer portal. That's one way to earn back the respect and love of your team (if it was ever lost, which we doubt).
  • One has to wonder how Michigan State's defense will hold up in the second half. The offense is giving this team nothing right now, and we saw the defense starting to wear down already even in that second quarter. The Golden Gophers have racked up 14 first downs and 245 yards of offense so far, despite putting up just 10 points so far. The Spartans are lucky to be as close as they are.

Michigan State Offense

  • MSU's defense gifted its offense short field twice to start the game, but the Spartans weren't able to get a single first down on their first two possessions. That resulted in Michigan State only cashing in two field goals off the turnovers. Senior receiver Tre Mosley had a drop that would have extended MSU's second drive. The throw from Katin Houser was a little behind him, but that's a play Mosley needs to make. Getting points off the turnovers was important, but Michigan State could have seized control of this one early with a better offensive start.
  • Unfortunately, things didn't get much better for Jay Johnson's offense after being gifted six early points. The Spartans managed to muster only four first downs and 80 total yards in that first half. Michigan State can't run the ball effectively (averaging 3.4 yards per carry) and that's putting a ton of pressure on redshirt freshman QB Katin Houser, who was 7-for-15 for 53 yards in the half. Same old story for Johnson's play-calling and this anemic offense so far in Minneapolis.
  • Kicker Jonathan Kim remains Michigan State's most consistent player on offense. The transfer from North Carolina nailed both of the short field goal attempts after the turnovers, raising his season total to 9-of-11. While many of MSU's transfer additions this past offseason have disappointed, Kim has been an excellent addition for the Spartans.

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