Michigan State Football: Changes must be made after Northwestern loss
Michigan State football must make changes after its tough loss to Northwestern on Saturday afternoon. Where do the Spartans go from here?
It’s been nine years since Michigan State last beat Northwestern in East Lansing. The Wildcats have recorded three straight victories against the Spartans in Spartan Stadium and have beaten Michigan State in three consecutive seasons.
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After Saturday’s 29-19 loss to the Wildcats, it’s time to take a long look in the mirror.
The game got off to a decent start with the Spartans taking a 3-0 lead, but they surrendered 14 consecutive points before adding another field goal before halftime. It wasn’t much, but it was a slight momentum boost.
To start the second half, there was more juice on the team as they came out and score two consecutive touchdowns, taking a 19-14 lead. The momentum was on Michigan State’s side, but as soon as Northwestern punched back, the Spartans turtle-shelled. The intensity was gone and the team got back to sleepwalking, much like it did in the first half.
Brian Lewerke had a rough game and looked off most of the way. He did finish with 329 yards and a touchdown, but his turnover problems continued. He didn’t seem to have command of the offense as there were often confused players looking for the right spot to line up for the play. It was an inexcusable sight.
As a captain, Lewerke needs to light a fire under his guys. He needs to command respect in the locker room and get people fired up to get back on track.
Joe Bachie gets it.
Joe Bachie said on @wjrradio post game there’s going to be a players only meeting where some players’ll be challenged. Doesn’t care if they’re mad at him because the train is leaving with or without them.
— John (@FromEastLansing) October 6, 2018
What changes need to be made? Besides playing with more fire and finally finding that “it” factor, the play-calling on offense must — and I mean must — improve drastically. Dave Warner is running a talented quarterback and a future NFL receiver into the ground with his predictable, lazy calls — please, no more jet-sweeps to the short side of the field, Dave.
Mark Dantonio must look in the mirror, too. No, he’s not anywhere near the hot seat nor will he be during the remainder of his career, but he must shake the stubbornness.
No more trusting his offensive coordinator unconditionally. For a coach of his caliber, he needs a staff to match and Warner just seems to be holding this offense back.
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Bachie’s players-only meeting could be just the start for the Spartans’ turnaround, but they’ll need much more than just words, they need to show that they’ve changed for the better, and it starts in Week 7 at Penn State.