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Michigan State Football: What went wrong in second half vs. Central Michigan?

By Connor Muldowney

EAST LANSING, MI - SEPTEMBER 29: Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans runs for a first down in the second half while playing the Central Michigan Chippewas at Spartan Stadium on September 29, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - SEPTEMBER 29: Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans runs for a first down in the second half while playing the Central Michigan Chippewas at Spartan Stadium on September 29, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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Sure, Michigan State football came away with a Week 5 win over Central Michigan, but the second half was ugly. What went wrong?

Building a 31-3 lead, everything seemed right with the world. The Spartans were about to jog to a nice, comfortable win over Central Michigan, but Michigan State allowed 17 straight points to make the game tighter than it needed to be.

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The Spartans seemed to fall apart late in the game to allow the Chippewas to get back into it, but it wasn’t all Central playing well (though they did play better in the fourth), it was also Michigan State turning the intensity down about five notches after three solid quarters.

So what went wrong for the Spartans against Central in the second half? Here’s a quick run-down:

  • Offense became more predictable. The Spartans were playing it safe, running the ball and not opening up the pass, especially to the tight ends.
  • Run plays were primarily between the tackles while the successful runs of the day were to the outside.
  • Spartans weren’t ready for a Central Michigan onside kick.
  • Secondary eased off Central receivers in the fourth quarter and they were burned on quick routes all the way down the field.
  • Rocky Lombardi came in for a drive early in the fourth quarter when it should have been Brian Lewerke with an 18-point lead. I get wanting to get Lombardi some experience, but the game was far from over and Michigan State moved backwards.
  • Pass rush over-pursuing, allowing Tommy Lazarro to escape pressure and pick up positive rushing yards.
  • Brian Lewerke was inaccurate, again, but also had his No. 2, No. 3 and No. 4 receivers out with injuries and Cam Chambers, too, was hurt.
  • No killer instinct.

It wasn’t the perfect game for Michigan State and plenty went wrong in the second half after building a comfortable lead, but the Spartans still came away with a double-digit victory.

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It’s time for Michigan State to wake up as Northwestern comes to town looking for blood next weekend. The Wildcats have had the Spartans’ number over the years.

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