MSU football shows teeth, then falls hard against Ohio State: 3 quick takes

1. A different kind of frustration for an MSU team that has shown it is capable of more

EAST LANSING – Saturday night's frustration lies somewhere between bust and excitement.

Michigan State belonged on the field with Ohio State for the first time in five years. The Spartans seemed capable of giving the Buckeyes a scare. If only they had hung on for that interception or fumble or if a few calls had gone their way and so on and so forth.

If only…

This is a new stage for this program.

The Spartans showed on Saturday night that they can probably beat the Buckeyes if everything goes perfectly. This is an important difference from the last four years, when even divine intervention would have had no chance.

Some would argue that feels worse. I would argue that this will not happen in a day. Regret over some missed opportunities, particularly in the first half, is replaced by an understanding that MSU appears to be on the right track – its quarterback, its offensive line, its playmakers, its defense, its physical ability, from head to toe to compete for a while with one of the best teams in the country in our opinion.

This game was closer than the final score of 38-7. A new kind of pain in this duel.

MSU moved the ball, produced explosive plays – six of 15 yards or more – and defensively won on third down about half the time, coming up with two massive stalls (an INT, a three-and-out), when it was absolutely needed. Finally the dam burst. Ohio State is better. A lot better. But not better in any other league.

It was fitting that former coach Mark Dantonio was there – walking into MSU's Ring of Honor – because he would have said this game was lost by inches. His motto, however unsatisfactory it may be. He would have said it in the post-game press conference and it would have driven the fans crazy. In this case, it was dozens of inches — sometimes a foot at a time or an outstretched hand from Ohio State phenom Jeremiah Smith — but the next meeting in two years should bring some hope after that. The same goes for MSU's remaining games this fall, including next Friday at Oregon.

From here there is no longer any fear of a duel this season. Don’t worry that MSU will be overwhelmed. I'm just curious to see what this team can become. If only they would take a few breaks and do a few more themselves. If they can learn from it. And realize they missed the opportunity to put up a better fight.

2. Chiles, Glover, the offensive line – some good stuff

I thought this matchup would end badly for MSU's offense. I didn't know if the Spartans would be able to protect quarterback Aidan Chiles, move the chains or make any plays downfield. I was completely wrong, despite the unforgettable second half.

I underestimated the impact of receiver Jaron Glover, who caught four passes for 53 yards and a touchdown after his injury in the first half. He looked polished and was able to make plays and find space. The offensive line, which had been MSU's biggest weakness up to that point, performed well, including creating space on the right side for a 19-yard run by Nate Carter on MSU's first play from scrimmage. They allowed four sacks, but Chiles had more time to act than I expected. And Chiles started well – completing 10 of his first 12 passes, including a 25-yard pass to Nick Marsh – which is what defines NFL quarterbacks. He threw a TD and a pick and almost threw another, but was really good for a half.

MSU's offense showed some power and creativity in the first half. From the start, the Spartans played like a team that can hurt you in many ways. Maybe Ohio State's defense, which brought a ton of experience, won't end up being as dominant or as solid as it should be – they hadn't played anyone of significance before Saturday. But assuming that's not the case, there was some good in this offense's potential – at least compared to my expectations – before it fizzled out in the second half.

3. Jordan Turner looks to be one of the best MSU transfers of the Portal era

After Kenneth Walker, senior linebacker Jordan Turner could be MSU's best transfer pickup of the Portal era. He had three sacks in four games entering Saturday night and was already a factor. Saturday was his most impressive performance to date.

Turner, a Farmington native who played the last four seasons at Wisconsin, had nine tackles, two QB hurries and critical interceptions and returns to Ohio State's 12-yard line for MSU's only score. He also forced a fumble that was overturned on review, temporarily knocking the Buckeyes' quarterback Will Howard out of the game late in the first half.

He was a threat. Not nearly enough. But that's the kind of performance that puts you on the right path to becoming an all-conference player.

Contact Graham Couch at [email protected]. Follow him on X at Graham_Couch.

1. A different kind of frustration for an MSU team that has shown it is capable of more

2. Chiles, Glover, the offensive line – some good stuff

3. Jordan Turner looks to be one of the best MSU transfers of the Portal era

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