COLUMN: MSU struggles against Indiana

Turnovers have killed Michigan State all season, and today wasn’t different. Coming into today, Michigan State had a -7 turnover, and it only got worse. The turnovers began when Rocky Lombardi threw an interception where he overthrew wide receiver Jayden Reed. Indiana scored a touchdown off the turnover. Michigan State’s very next drive running back Brandon Wright fumbled and Indiana scored another touchdown off a turnover. Just like that Indiana leads 14-0. 

Later in the second quarter after Michigan State picked off Indian quarterback Micheal Penix, Michigan State quarterback Rocky Lombardi threw another interception. Indiana turned the interception to a field goal, Indiana led 17-0. Michigan State head coach Mel Tucker had no choice but to pull Rocky Lombardi and play Freshman QB Peyton Thorne. 

The second half was dominated by both defenses, Michigan State’s offense continued to struggle and Indiana was content to run the ball and waste time. Final score Indiana 24- Michigan State 0. 

Just like Michigan State, one of the major keys to victory for Michigan was to not turn the ball over, well on their first offensive snap Michigan quarterback Joe Milton threw an interception, which led to a Badgers touchdown. Then on the ensuing drive Michigan turns the ball over again and Joe Milton has his second interception on as many drives. Michigan couldn’t get anything going in the first half and trailed 28-0 at halftime. 

The second half started with a 7 play drive which resulted in a Quinn Nordin 46 yard field goal to cut the lead to 25. Michigan forced a punt, but punted the ball right back to Wisconsin. At this point it was clear that Michigan’s offense needed a jolt so after a Wisconsin touchdown Michigan decided to put in quarterback Cade McNamara. The change of quarterback must’ve helped because Michigan drove down the field and got a touchdown and a 2 point conversion. However it was a little too late and Michigan lost 49-11 in dominant fashion. 

As the Michigan struggles continue, so does the hate towards head coach Jim Harbaugh from the Michigan fan base. Michigan now falls to 1-3 and 6th place in the Big Ten east, and unless they can turn things around it seems like this might be the end for Harbaugh.

The state of collegiate football in the state of Michigan might be the worst it’s been in a long time. Michigan State and Michigan now have a combined record of 2-6 and with both teams having a combined three ranked opponents still left in the remaining schedule. It’s going to get a lot worse before it gets better for these two teams