The 95-yard kickoff return given up was perhaps the most critical play of the day. Kevin Cronin also sent another kickoff out of bounds, and Brandon Sowards made a key mistake early by failing to catch a punt that rolled. Bright spots were Michael Geiger (2-for-2) and Jake Hartbarger (46.2 average with a 61-yarder and one downed at the 1-yard-line.)
Michigan State is searching for answers after its fourth straight loss. Issues are across the board, but the Spartans' position groups struggled to different degrees. Here are this week's grades:
Yes, Michigan State had to bench its starting quarterback, which is never a good sign.