The second half was the opposite for MSU's offense, which grinded to a halt in a wet, chippy environment.

"We really needed this win," redshirt senior linebacker Jordan Turner said postgame. "But, you know, that’s a sloppy finish."

The tale of two halves Friday night symbolized MSU's season full of peaks and valleys. The new-look Spartans have shown flashes of potential all year but have barely sustained it enough for a half, let alone an entire game. Yet the Spartans move on with something to play for, needing only one more win to become bowl eligible and likely earn a postseason spot.

It's been a tumultuous season on the field for the Spartans, but a bowl appearance in year one under head coach Jonathan Smith would be considered an improvement from years prior. MSU took its penultimate step toward that goal Friday night. 

MSU was given a jolt of shock in the first quarter as junior tight end Jack Velling seemingly suffered an upper-body injury and was carted off the field as the crowd at Spartan Stadium collectively held its breath. 

Velling spoke to Smith over the phone from the hospital. He was able to watch the game and seemed to be in good spirits, Smith said postgame.

MSU continued its season-long struggle to stay disciplined, totaling six penalties for 75 yards.

The first half embodied what MSU's unit is capable of. The Spartans went 3-for-3 in the red zone and their defense limited the Boilermakers to -4 rushing yards. Purdue relied on its passing game all night against a banged-up MSU secondary, throwing for 342 yards. MSU had trouble defending the pass in spots but prevailed when it mattered most.

Purdue tight end Max Klare caused problems for MSU, particularly in the run-pass option. MSU contained his explosiveness but allowed 83 yards and a touchdown to the vertical threat.

"We knew 86 (Klare) was the guy," junior defensive back Nikai Martinez said. 

MSU's offensive playcalling was more creative and Chiles didn't hesitate to use his feet or throw to his tight ends. Sixth year running back Kay’ron Lynch-Adams ran the ball 18 times for 85 yards. Despite the opportunity and momentum to blow the game open, MSU struggled to find an offensive pulse and let the league-worst Boilermakers climb back into contention. A scoreless second half by the Spartans made what could've been a blowout come down to the final possession. 

It wasn't pretty Friday, but MSU can still hit one of its goals this season: reach the postseason. In their Thanksgiving weekend showdown with 6-4 Rutgers next Saturday, the Spartans will either win or go home for the season.