Michigan State Football: 5 takeaways from loss to Ohio State in Week 11

COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 11: Quarterback Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans passes in the fourth quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on November 11, 2017 in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State defeated Michigan State 48-3. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /

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COLUMBUS, OH – NOVEMBER 11: Hunter Rison #5 of the Michigan State Spartans shakes off the tackle from Malik Harrison #39 of the Ohio State Buckeyes in the fourth quarter to pick up yardage at Ohio Stadium on November 11, 2017 in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State defeated Michigan State 48-3. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /

4. No more relying on the “underdog” card

Playing the “underdog” card in the locker room to get your team fired up is one thing, but relying on that label to win you games is dangerous. Far too often, Michigan State has played the underdog card and it’s been working.

The Spartans used it as motivation against Penn State, Michigan and plenty of times in past years, but this season it seemed as if the team expected it to carry them over Ohio State.

“We play better as an underdog” always seems to be a common theme among the fans and players, but there comes a time when you have to prove it. Just because no one thinks Michigan State is going to win a game doesn’t mean that it’s automatically going to prove everyone wrong.

Sure, Mark Dantonio’s teams have fared very well as underdogs during his tenure, but it’s time to just be quiet and play the game. The team just didn’t show up to play, almost looking like it expected to be given points because it was the “underdog”.

The better, and more fired up, team won on Saturday.

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