Michigan State University junior defensive back Malik Spencer (43) intercepts a pass from the University of Oregon in Autzen Stadium, Oct. 4, 2024.
Under the lights in a bright yellow Autzen Stadium Friday night, MSU football fell to 3-3 in its second straight blowout loss, a 31-10 drubbing to No. 6 Oregon.
MSU's offense continued to struggle against a high-level team, and by the second half, the team was buried by the Ducks' execution and energy.
The shortened week of practice after a 31-point loss to No. 3 Ohio State didn't help the Spartans, who were unable to address their frequent missteps: turnovers, penalties and lack of rushing efficiency.
This two-game stretch — Ohio State into Oregon — was always going to be the ultimate test for MSU this season. With smaller instances of promise and potential, the Spartans primarily showed they aren't ready to contend in the Big Ten.
MSU was outmatched in all phases relevant to championship football, particularly the line of scrimmage and making plays in space. Like Ohio State, Oregon was the better team than MSU and it showed.
In a game MSU entered with confidence after piecing together deep drives early against Ohio State, the Spartans had another chance to make a statement early but fumbled it away on their first drive with two yards to gain for a touchdown.
MSU sophomore quarterback Aidan Chiles couldn't cover the ball properly in an attempt at the goal line. It added to his growing list of sloppy giveaways this season. The Spartans have hurt themselves with turnovers all season so far.
MSU heads into its first bye week of the season.
“These guys have been working,” MSU head coach Jonathan Smith said postgame. “We went six straight games, but also you think about the five weeks of camp, that’s eleven straight weeks.”
On Friday, the Spartans continued to make the same mistakes fans have seen all season. Their offense couldn't go anywhere after fumbling in the end zone on their first drive. The MSU defense fought and made big plays but could only do so much.
MSU defensive backs Charles Brantley and Malik Spencer each had an interception, but the offense couldn’t leverage the turnovers. MSU scored just once, a meaningless touchdown late in the fourth quarter.
By the end of the first half, Michigan State’s offense had 21 rushing yards to Oregon’s 192 and showcased its struggling run game. In the end, Oregon outgained MSU 477-250.
“We wanna be efficient in the run game and that just didn’t happen,” Smith said.
The Spartans racked up five penalties, a category that's held them back in previous matchups. Two were for unsportsmanlike conduct, displaying their frustration in a personal game against Smith’s former rival.
The gap between MSU and a team like Oregon was on full display. It's a disparity Smith and his staff are responsible for correcting as they rebuild the Spartans' program.
MSU's upcoming bye week will provide a needed break for the Spartans, who return to action Saturday, Oct. 19 at home against Iowa.
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