Michigan State football’s challenging season took another hit as the team fell to a disappointing record of 3-7 after losing 28-10 to Penn State on November 4, 2023. This defeat marks the seventh consecutive loss for the Spartans, erasing any hopes of bowl game eligibility for the fourth straight year.
The game showcased a stark contrast between the first and second halves. In the opening half, Michigan State displayed solid defensive efforts while managing a respectable offensive performance. However, the second half proved disastrous, with the Spartans unable to advance the ball effectively. They either punted or turned over possession on every drive after halftime.
Performance Analysis and Grades
According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Michigan State received an overall grade of 66.1 for the game, which, while low, is the second-highest during their current losing streak. Notably, the team excelled in the rushing game, achieving a grade of 80.6—the best this season.
Elijah Tau-Toliver stood out with a remarkable performance, rushing for 79 yards, including a 57-yard touchdown, on just six carries. Teammate Makhi Frazier contributed with 27 yards on eight carries. The Spartans’ pass rush also delivered, recording two sacks and generating 17 pressures, resulting in a pass rush grade of 71.3, their highest since Week One.
Despite some positive individual performances, the offensive line struggled significantly. Redshirt freshman Alessio Milivojevic faced intense pressure throughout the game, being sacked five times and pressured 21 times, leading to a dismal pass-blocking grade of 22.9. This is the lowest grade for the offensive line this season and 14.7 points lower than their previous worst performance against Nebraska.
The passing game failed to find its rhythm against the Nittany Lions, garnering a grade of 55.2. Milivojevic completed 17 of 27 passes for 128 yards, resulting in a quarterback rating of 15.8. The receiving corps mirrored this lack of success, achieving a grade of 55.7, with Tau-Toliver leading the team in receiving yards with 73.
Implications for the Coaching Staff
Expectations at the beginning of the season centered around head coach Jonathan Smith leading the Spartans to a bowl game. With that goal now unattainable, speculation regarding Smith’s future with the program is likely to intensify as the season progresses.
As the Michigan State football program grapples with its ongoing struggles, fans and analysts alike will be keeping a close eye on the developments surrounding the team. The mounting pressure for change is palpable, and discussions about potential coaching changes are expected to grow louder as the season comes to a close.
For updates and discussions on the team’s performance, followers can engage with the official Spartan Nation page on Facebook and join the community group, Go Green Go White. Additionally, updates are available on X at @MSUSpartansOnSI.
