[Note: I removed the last drive of the first half for Purdue (2 carries for 7 yards) and the last drive of the game for MSU (3 carries for -6 yards.]
Whaaa?
How was MSU more explosive on a per-play basis, more efficient on a per-drive basis, better at finishing drives, +3 in turnovers, and still need a game-saving stop in the fourth quarter?
Well...
This Was the Worst Game for Special Teams
Yes, MSU gave up big returns against Western Michigan and Oregon. But MSU had huge field position advantages in both games, as well as in games against Air Force and Central Michigan.