From there, MSU was throttled for the remaining 39 minutes, ultimately falling 38-13 to No. 3 Indiana and losing possession of the Old Brass Spittoon in back-to-back contests for the first time since 1969.

"We’re always looking to win the game," MSU head coach Jonathan Smith said. "This is a good football team and all of that, but we want to be able to play winning football and haven’t done it the last few weeks."

31 unanswered points characterized Indiana’s Homecoming win as MSU’s defense failed to get a stop when it mattered. The Hoosiers scored touchdowns on each of their first five drives, only being stopped on the sixth when a receiver couldn’t keep his feet in bounds — the only stop the Spartans created all game. MSU’s defense constantly struggled, especially in the opening half, as Indiana’s offense averaged 9.6 yards per play going into halftime.

"It’s not like we were physically outmatched or anything like that," redshirt junior defensive lineman Alex VanSumeren said. "It’s just some things we got to clean up at different positions, and we’ll get it right."

Giving up large runs of unanswered points has become a defining issue in Smith’s tenure at MSU, especially against ranked teams. Since his arrival, the Spartans have allowed five stretches of 30 or more unanswered points in just 19 games.

The most lopsided came last season — against the same team they stood across from Saturday. After jumping out to a 10-0 lead in the first quarter, MSU gave up 47 straight points to Indiana in a 47-10 loss.

Other notable collapses against ranked opponents last season include Ohio State’s 28-0 run after MSU kept it close at 10-7 in the second quarter, and Oregon’s 31-0 start before the Spartans finally scored a late rushing touchdown in a 31-10 loss.

At times, being dominated by a ranked opponent is understandable. But unranked foes have delivered the same fate. Just last weekend against UCLA, MSU led 7-0 after its opening drive before allowing 38 unanswered points in a 38-13 defeat.

A similarly disheartening performance came in last season’s finale against Rutgers. The Spartans scored first, building a brief sense of optimism that they could reach a bowl game in year one of a new coach, before the Scarlet Knights scored 34 straight in a 41-14 blowout on senior day.

Two losses that sting a little more because they came at home against unranked, beatable opponents.

With Smith in only his second year, few expected MSU to go on the road and upset the nation’s No. 3 team. But the issue isn’t losing — it’s the lack of competitiveness. Too often, the Spartans reach a point where the opponent strings together multiple unanswered scores, putting them in a multi-possession hole.

That competitiveness will be vital in another rivalry matchup next week. Michigan travels to East Lansing coming off a 24-7 win over a talented Washington team. For the Spartans, responding to adversity and everyone doing their job will determine whether Paul Bunyan returns to East Lansing or stays in Ann Arbor for the fourth straight year.

"There’s no doubt in our locker room," VanSumeren said. "There’s unwavering faith that we’re going to continue to do what we can, and we’re going to get the job done."