Michigan State University’s football team suffered its seventh consecutive defeat, falling to Penn State with a score of 28-10. This loss brings Michigan State’s season record to 3-7, effectively eliminating any chances of bowl game eligibility for the fourth consecutive year.
The game showcased a stark contrast between the two halves, with Michigan State initially performing commendably on defense and moderately on offense. However, the second half saw the Spartans struggle significantly, failing to advance the ball and facing a series of punts and turnovers on each possession.
Performance Breakdown
According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Michigan State received an overall grade of 66.1 for this matchup, marking the second-highest grade during their current losing streak. The team achieved notable success in the running game, earning a rushing grade of 80.6, the highest of the season.
Elijah Tau-Toliver emerged as a standout player, rushing for 79 yards, which included a remarkable 57-yard touchdown on just six carries. Teammate Makhi Frazier contributed with 27 yards on eight carries. Additionally, the Spartans’ pass rush performed well, recording two sacks and generating 17 total pressures, leading to a pass rush grade of 71.3, their best since the season opener.
The offensive line, however, faced significant challenges, delivering their poorest performance of the season. Redshirt freshman Alessio Milivojevic was sacked five times and pressured a staggering 21 times. The pass blocking unit received a dismal grade of 22.9, reflecting a decline of 14.7 points from their previous low against Nebraska.
Milivojevic’s overall passing performance was lackluster, completing 17 of 27 attempts for 128 yards, resulting in a quarter-back rating of 15.8. The receiving corps mirrored the struggles of the passing game, achieving a grade of 55.7, with Tau-Toliver again leading as the top receiver, amassing 73 yards.
Future Outlook
Expectations for Michigan State entering the season centered around head coach Jonathan Smith guiding the team to a bowl appearance. With that goal now unattainable, speculation regarding Smith’s job security is likely to intensify as the season draws to a close.
As the Spartans look to regroup, fans are encouraged to engage with the community and share their perspectives on the team’s ongoing challenges. For updates and analysis, Michigan State supporters can follow the official Spartan Nation page on Facebook and on X @MSUSpartansOnSI.
The road ahead remains daunting for Michigan State football as they seek to reverse their fortunes in the remaining games of the season.
