Social Media Reacts to Another Disheartening Loss for Michigan State

The Michigan State Spartans suffered a major defeat to the Illinois Fighting Illini, 38-16, and Spartan Nation has some thoughts.

Nov 16, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Aidan Chiles (2) hands the ball to running back Nate Carter (5) during the first half against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images | Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

The Michigan State Spartans are now 4-6 after a 38-16 blowout loss to the Illinois Fighting Illini in Champaign. 

Jonathan Smith’s Spartans must now win their final two games to reach bowl eligibility. In the last four weeks, the Spartans have come out flat in games and have had to play catch-up. 

The Illini offense did almost whatever it wanted. Quarterback Luke Altmyer had an efficient day, and wide receiver Pat Bryant consistently found himself open down the field, making several big plays. 

The Spartans’ offense struggled for most of this game. Outside of a few solid drives, Michigan State could not move the ball against Illinois’ dangerous defensive line. 

Smith made a few questionable decisions in this game, like not attempting to get into field goal range at the end of the half and burning two timeouts in a one-score game in the fourth quarter. 

It was, frankly, an unacceptable performance from this team. 

When Michigan State gets blown out, Spartan fans voice their strong opinions on social media. 

One of the biggest gripes Spartan fans have with this game was the poor offensive line play. The OL allowed Aidan Chiles to be sacked five times and allowed eight tackles for loss.

If this staff doesn’t invest heavily in the defense/offensive line in the off-season they are deeply unserious. Just a pathetic excuse for a power 5 program atm

— Justin Walsh (@jdwalsh24) November 16, 2024

picking Chiles up off the turf is the only consistent thing this offensive line has done all year

— maxwell (@maxwellklitzke) November 16, 2024

When is the last time MSU had an average offensive line?

— Takes 👀 (@SpartyMyTake) November 16, 2024

I am willing to donate to a Michigan State football NIL fund but only if I am guaranteed that the money will go towards offensive line.

— J Peep (@TheJPeep) November 16, 2024

Spartan fans were confused by Smith's clock management. Billed as a detail-oriented coach, Smith's decisions to call timeouts at questionable times ended up costing the Spartans more chances to win the game.

Why would Jonathan Smith call a timeout to punt the ball when timeouts are likely to be at a premium down the stretch?

— J.R. (@JT_Roegner) November 16, 2024

Do you think Jonathan Smith thinks his timeouts from the first half rolled over to the 2nd half? Inexcusable clock management today.

— Austin Swadling (@amswadling) November 16, 2024

With the Illini moving the ball so easily through the air and on the ground, fans did not like how Defensive Coordinator Joe Rossi approached this game with his scheme.

Can we leave Joe Rossi in Illinois

— Megan Whitford (@Megan_Whitford) November 16, 2024

What happened to Joe Rossi’s creative blitzes

— Gundy (@SpartanGundy) November 16, 2024

Many are also now questioning the state of the program under Smith. It is only year one of the team’s rebuild, but fans are becoming restless after a few disastrous performances. The Spartans have not had a winning season since 2021, and fans just want to see winning football in East Lansing again.

Michigan state football is headed down hill fast. This offseason we either go all in on the program or accept mediocracy. Stadium and NIL program needs major upgrades. Sad to see what we were during the Dantanio era become what we are today.

— Patrick Finley (@ortaleva59212) November 16, 2024

If MSU can’t find a way to squeak 2 wins out of terrible Purdue and terrible Rutgers at home to become bowl eligible, I don’t think I can take much more of this.

— austin (@MSU_Austin) November 16, 2024

MSU still might make a bowl game at 6-6 which for year 1 feels like success

And yet at the same time just about every loss is ugly. Not just in score but with sloppy play too

Discouraging to look like this out of the bye

— Jim Costa (@JimCosta_) November 16, 2024

I promised myself to have a lot of patience with this MSU football season, and two more wins at home still makes them bowl eligible. But I have no idea what I've been watching since the Iowa game.

— Eric Pratt (@ByEricPratt) November 16, 2024

Things have not gone well for the Spartans this season, but even after a tumultuous season on the field, they still have a chance to make a bowl. They will have to play their best football and not make any mistakes. 

If the Spartans can reach a bowl game, Spartan fans could feel better about how things have gone under Smith in year one. 

However, Michigan State fans are mad right now about several listless performances from this team.

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