Michigan State football grades vs. UM: Offense too unpredictable

Offense: C-plus

The growth and growing pains continue to make MSU's offense unpredictable and inconsistent. It was impressive how the Spartans outscored the Wolverines from behind the screen – two long drives that resulted in a touchdown and a 135-15 yard lead and a 93-1 rushing edge after one quarter. But MSU's failures in the red zone continued, costing a scoring opportunity early in the kickoff when Aidan Chiles received a delay-of-play penalty while on fourth-and-goal at the UM 2-yard line wanted to compete. Nate Carter ran hard through contact for 118 yards, his best game in two years as a Spartan, and the offensive line continued its second-half renaissance early in the second half before the Wolverines began to turn up the pressure to hold MSU to 14 attempts limited to just 70 yards in the final three quarters. The Chileans' decision-making also continues to be a concern, as they lost a fumble late in the first half for the fourth time this season and another intentional grounding early on the Spartans' final possession while trying to score the equalizer. had to accept punishment.

AFTER THE GAME: Michigan football TE Colston Loveland on MSU: “Little brother stays and does little brother things”

Defense: B-minus

The Spartans dominated the quarterback-rushing Wolverines for long stretches Saturday, including three three-and-out drives and another with four plays and a punt. The front seven surrounded Kalel Mullings all night, limiting UM's leading rusher to just 18 yards on 13 carries and Donovan Edwards to 24 yards on nine attempts. But as well as the Spartans' linebackers played the run, they struggled to keep track of the Wolverines' only pass catcher who could hurt them: tight end Colson Loveland caught six passes for 67 yards, including two touchdowns, and added a 2nd – Point conversion catch. One of those came on a halfback pass from Edwards when MSU sold out on the run and allowed Loveland to run freely behind the defense. The Spartans also couldn't stop one-dimensional running quarterback Alex Orji, who started on six of his seven snaps and rushed for 64 yards and a touchdown on those designed runs. MSU did not record a sack for the fourth straight game after opening the season with 15 in its first four games.