If MSU had scripted the beginning of Saturday's game against Ohio State, it probably couldn't have turned out any better than what actually happened.
After forcing the Buckeyes to start at the 20-yard line, the Spartans defense caused a turnover, giving the offense the ball deep in Ohio State territory.
On MSU's first offensive play, junior running back Jehuu Caulcrick caught a screen pass and rumbled just short of the goal line. It looked like MSU was ready to grab a lead against the No. 1 team in the country.
But a holding penalty brought the play back. Three plays later, senior quarterback Drew Stanton was sacked, and the Spartans were out of field-goal range.
"We're looking at being on the 1-yard line, and we weren't able to capitalize, and that hurt us a little bit," Stanton said.
"Any time you have penalties against good football teams, that's going to be hard to overcome."
MSU's inability to take advantage of good field position would be a recurring theme in its 38-7 loss to Ohio State on Saturday at Spartan Stadium.
The Spartans started three drives in Ohio State territory and a fourth drive at its own 48-yard line. Those four drives combined for negative five yards.
"We had an opportunity or two early that we needed to capitalize on, and we didn't, which made for a long day," MSU head coach John L. Smith said. "You're not going to get many opportunities against that caliber of a football team."
Infirmary report
Senior cornerback Greg Cooper temporarily lost consciousness after making a tackle in the third quarter. He was down on the field for several minutes before being put on a backboard and carted off. He was able to raise his arm as he left the field and was taken to the hospital.
John Lewandowski, MSU associate athletics director for media relations, said after the game that Cooper suffered a mild head injury.
"They will conduct some further tests, but everything appears well," Lewandowski said.
All four of MSU's captains had to battle some sort of injury against Ohio State. Stanton hit his head on a cooler after sliding into the Ohio State sideline in the third quarter. He didn't return to the game but wasn't seriously injured. Senior linebacker David Herron Jr. suffered a "mild stinger," according to Smith, but still recorded seven tackles. Senior defensive tackle Clifton Ryan was limited because of a calf injury he suffered against Michigan, and senior center Kyle Cook had a protective boot on his left foot after limping off in the third quarter.
