In eleven games, the Spartans have been outscored 80-23 by their opponents in the third quarter. These deficiencies out of the locker room have MSU head coach Jonathan Smith and his staff scratching their heads.

"We've looked at adjusting some things at halftime, whether it be on the communication side or getting ready," Smith said Monday. "I think we've had only a couple of games where we've played better than the opponent in the third quarter, and I've given our coaches a hard time for that. So yes we have looked at it, and obviously we did not have it solved last week, either."

MSU's third-quarter blunders have typically sunk any momentum it's carried into the locker room. A prime example: last week's 24-17 MSU victory over Purdue, when MSU garnered only 27 total yards in the third frame and let a three-possession lead dwindle away. What looked to be a stress-free win for MSU became a struggle against the worst team in the Big Ten, all because of a slow start entering the second half.

In a 23-19 loss against Boston College earlier in the season, the Spartans entered the third quarter with a 13-6 lead. Not three minutes later, they trailed 16-13. More third-quarter reckonings against Indiana, Michigan and Ohio State all led to MSU losses, weighing down its overall potential. 

"I think that our full potential would be a consistency from beginning to end," MSU defensive coordinator Joe Rossi said Tuesday. "It'll never be 100% consistent, but you're striving for that type of consistency."

Many factors have led to this lack of consistency. It starts with moving the football. MSU has gained an average of 66 yards in the third quarter while their opponents have gained 87 on average. The Spartans also carry a minus-3 turnover differential in the third quarter while going 9-for-32 on third downs. 

With the Spartans' tendency to give the ball away in crucial spots mixed with their lack of downfield ball movement, it's no wonder MSU has struggled to win games as of late. 

Now, MSU is one win away from becoming bowl eligible for the first since 2021. Standing in its way is Rutgers (6-5, 3-5) on Senior Day at Spartan Stadium tomorrow. 

"Ending the season early definitely isn't fun, especially because of how shaky the last couple of years have been," senior linebacker Cal Haladay said. "So yeah, I would say (there's a sense of urgency win), especially because you want to go out on a win on Senior Day."

The Scarlet Knights will be a good test for MSU to ends its regular season. Having played a competent schedule, Rutgers carries an efficient passing game coupled with a stronger rushing game, its biggest weakness being a bending and sometimes breaking defense. 

In a game that means a lot for the MSU community, the Spartans will have to first start strong, then break their habit of uncomplimentary third-quarter football.

MSU's quest for a bowl appearance may just come down to who wins the third quarter on Saturday.

MSU will take on Rutgers on Saturday, Nov. 30 at 3:30 p.m. at Spartan Stadium. FOX will air the game.