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Michigan State Football: 5 takeaways from win over Central Michigan in Week 5

By Connor Muldowney

EAST LANSING, MI - SEPTEMBER 29: Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates a first half touchdwon 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 celebrates a first half touchdwon 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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EAST LANSING, MI – SEPTEMBER 29: Head coach Mark Dantonio of the Michigan State Spartans looks on 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: Head coach Mark Dantonio of the Michigan State Spartans looks on while playing the Central Michigan Chippewas at Spartan Stadium on September 29, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

1. A killer instinct seems to be lacking

For the fourth straight game, Michigan State held a double-digit second-half lead and watched it nearly wiped away at the hands of a team that seemed more hungry to come out on top.

Must Read: MSU Football: 5 reasons to remain optimistic about 2018 outcome

This trend is concerning for many reasons, but it could be possible that Mark Dantonio didn’t want to keep passing so he conceded that the run would be in order for the remainder of the game, knowing full well that it would add pressure to his defense.

Let’s take a look at the leads Michigan State has had this season in second halves compared to the final scores:

  • Utah State: Up 31-17, won 38-31
  • Arizona State: Up 13-3, lost 16-13
  • Indiana: Up 28-7, won 35-21
  • Central Michigan: Up 31-3, won 31-20

This lack of a killer instinct is allowing teams that are otherwise dead in the water to come back and make tight games out of contests that should have been over.

Dantonio needs to get his guys’ minds in the right place as this type of second-half meltdown isn’t going to fly against teams like Michigan, Penn State, Ohio State or any other Big Ten squads.

Next. Top 25 MSU football players of Mark Dantonio era. dark

It’s time to develop a killer instinct. With the lead, step on the opponents’ throats.

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