First Half Analysis: Michigan State offering no resistance to rival Wolverines

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Michigan State offered no resistance to in-state rival Michigan in the first half tonight. The Wolverines did whatever they wanted with the ball in their hands, and never gave an inch when the Spartans had possession.

Here are my observations...

Michigan State Offense

Early in the game, it appeared starting quarterback Katin Houser was going to the sideline between plays to receive the play call from the sideline. No doubt that was in response to the recent news of Michigan's adeptness at sign-stealing...
The Spartans continue to be awful in fourth and short situations. Offensive coordinator Jay Johnson has tried a few different things in these spots throughout his tenure, and none of them seem to work. The biggest issue is probably the MSU offensive line's complete inability to get a push in short-yardage situations, but Johnson hasn't figured out a way to work around that on fourth and shorts. More of the same in that department so far tonight.
It was a completely anemic offensive performance for Michigan State. The Spartans have been limited to 51 yards of total offense. Quarterback Katin Houser is 5-of-12 passing for 41 yards. MSU has nine carries for 10 yards rushing. Absolutely nothing working for the Spartans.
Ever since Mel Tucker was fired, I've said on our podcast that no matter how bad it gets Michigan State should not fire any coaches in-season. These players have been through enough turmoil over the last six weeks, more change and disruption is not going to help. With that being said, special teams coordinator Ross Els continues to be one of the worst assistant coaches in football. On MSU's first punt if the evening, they were hit with another illegal formation penalty. That seems to happen every week, and last week it ended up costing the Spartans a touchdown — their was an illegal formation flag immediately preceding the punt snap that was muffed into the end zone, which Rutgers recovered to begin its comeback. Later, MSU was penalized for "fair catch interference" — a very avoidable penalty. If Els was served his walking papers tonight, you wouldn't get any protest from me or anyone else who watches this team.

Michigan State Defense

Third down was a big key coming into this game — Michigan's offense is one of the best in the country in converting third downs, and MSU's defense has been one of the best preventing conversions. So far, that battle has been all Wolverines. Michigan has converted 6-of-7 third downs tonight.
After three weeks of apparent progress, Michigan State's defense has reverted to looking like it did in Week 3 against Washington. The Wolverines have a very different offensive philosophy than the Huskies, but the result is pretty much the same — they're getting whatever they want against the Spartans. U-M quarterback J.J. McCarthy has completed 20-of-26 attempts for 276 yards and three touchdowns threw the air. Michigan State has dialed up some pressure on McCarthy, but the junior's pocket presence and escapability has allowed him to extend plays a deliver the ball all over the field.
The Spartans have actually been really good against Michigan's run game. MSU has limited the Wolverines to 3.4 sack-adjusted yards per carry. Michigan State's front seven is holding up its end, the problem has been the back end in pass coverage.

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