For the first quarter of the season, Spartans consistently relied on their ability to defend the rush. But over the past three games, MSU's interior defense has struggled to hold its own at the point of attack. It has been one of many reasons for the Spartans' three-game slide following a 3-0 start.
MSU football 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.
After three years of consistent playing time and inconsistent performances, MSU football defensive back Charles Brantley has played like the defensive cornerstone he was shaped up to be.
Here's what MSU football can look to fix and adjust in its bye week.
The Michigan State Spartans fell to 3-3 after a 31-10 loss to the Oregon Ducks, struggling offensively and failing to capitalize on defensive efforts. With ongoing red-zone issues and penalties, they look to regroup during their upcoming bye week.
A game that delivered early hope for Spartan fans quickly turned into a loud Duck party in Autzen Stadium. The first Big Ten matchup between MSU and Oregon ended as a forgetful one for the Spartans, who were outmatched by the No. 6 team in the country, 31-10.
It won't get much easier for MSU football this Friday against No. 6 Oregon. Here are the stakes and what to expect.
After returning its starting tailback and adding a 1,000-yard rusher, MSU's rushing numbers so far point to major deficiencies.
Last Saturday, the Spartans showed they belong on the field against a top team in the nation. If MSU head coach Jonathan Smith and his new-look Spartans can play their cards right, last Saturday's effort could be a prelude for MSU's road showdown with No. 6 Oregon Friday.
For MSU head coach Jonathan Smith, a showdown against the Ducks is something he's become familiar with over the past three decades.
Red zone turnovers proved costly for MSU football against No. 3 Ohio State. The Spartans gave away three potential touchdowns in the first half.
Despite looking the part in the first half, MSU football didn't have the staying power to overcome red zone turnovers against No. 3 Ohio State.
Ohio State has won eight straight matchups against the Spartans, outscoring them 320-77 in the process.
With four touchdowns, seven interceptions and a 54.3% completion percentage, some MSU students feel let down by what they've seen thus far from Aidan Chiles, MSU's 19-year-old transfer quarterback.
With a chance to be 4-0 last week, MSU football faltered late on the road. This week, the Spartans are back at home with the chance to upset No. 3 Ohio State.
MSU fumbled deep in its territory and threw two interceptions in the second half, falling 23-19 late to the Eagles on a rainy night in Chestnut Hill, MA.
Michigan State and Boston College will square off under the lights this Saturday in a battle to stay undefeated.
Michigan State football has created a buzz around campus with its 3-0 start to the 2024 season. Students are excited and surprised by the team's early success and look forward to what it can accomplish in the future.
Coaching moves were quickly made. Players transferred in and out of the program. On the other side of its disastrous fall, MSU football emerged as a team with something to build on: a developmental head coach aligned with program values in Jonathan Smith, a young and talented quarterback in Aidan Chiles and a revamped culture.
Though undefeated through three games, MSU's early-season struggles have come in the form of penalties and injuries.