MSU has shown its potential at times, keeping fans eager and invested. On the other hand, the Spartans have had glaring problems in many areas, as they've struggled with consistency and against higher-level teams.

Here's the best and worst of MSU football through six games.

A major road win

Maybe MSU's biggest moment of the season so far came in week two against Maryland, when the Spartans played complimentary football down the stretch to earn a statement win. 

MSU was down 24-17 in the fourth quarter. After Maryland missed a field goal, MSU sophomore quarterback Aidan Chiles and his offense took over at their own 23-yard-line. On the ensuing play, Chiles delivered a deep strike to explosive freshman wideout Nick Marsh for a 77-yard, game-tying touchdown late in the game.

Minutes later, Chiles and the MSU offense strung together a successful two-minute drill, working the sidelines to set up sixth year kicker Jonathan Kim for a game-winning field goal as time expired.

Record-setting pick six

MSU redshirt junior defensive back Charles Brantley has tallied three interceptions so far, his most electrifying coming during MSU's 40-0 victory over Prairie View A&M.

Brantley recorded a 105-yard pick six — the longest interception return in program history.

With 42 seconds left before halftime, PVAM quarterback Cameron Peters sailed tight end Rowdy Godwin in double coverage. Brantley leapt into the air, corralled the ball halfway deep in his own end zone and zigzagged to the other on an outstanding play.

Brantley's other interceptions have come in the form of a timely snag in the final minutes against Maryland and a leaping grab against Oregon's Heisman-contending QB Dillon Gabriel at MSU's one-yard-line. 

Costly turnovers

The Spartans' season so far has been marred by critical mistakes that have thwarted scoring opportunities, especially during high-stakes moments against formidable opponents.

While driving inside the red zone against powerhouse Ohio State, MSU coughed up two fumbles and failed to convert a fourth-and-one in the first half, keeping the Spartans out of a game they looked like they belonged in.

Had MSU converted each of those three opportunities into a field goal, a 24-7 halftime lead for the Buckeyes could have looked much different.

On MSU's first drive of the second quarter, trailing 10-0, Chiles connected with junior tight end Jack Velling for a 26-yard pass in the red zone. OSU senior cornerback Jordan Hancock forced a fumble, recovered by junior safety Sonny Styles.

Later, Chiles fumbled at the OSU 16-yard line after being hit by senior safety Lathan Ransom.

This trend of costly mistakes extended into the Spartans’ last game against Oregon, when Chiles fumbled at the goal line in a scoreless game and set the tone for a 31-10 defeat.

After facing the Big Ten's best teams in the span of six days, the Spartans' schedule still poses a variety of challenging, yet manageable threats. MSU has shown it has the skill and talent to make plays.

If Smith and company can walk out of Ann Arbor in two weeks with a win, the overall outlook on the season will be altered.

The Spartans are a young team that's shown its potential. As the back half of its season begins, so does the hunt for six wins and a bowl appearance. 

This Saturday, MSU will face off against Iowa from the underdog position yet again.

The Spartans and Hawkeyes square off on Saturday, Oct. 19 at 7:30 p.m. at Spartan Stadium. The game will be streamed exclusively on Peacock.