Michigan State Football: 5 takeaways from loss to Oregon in Redbox Bowl

SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 31: CJ Verdell #34 of the Oregon Ducks carries the ball against the Michigan State Spartans during the first half of the Redbox Bowl at Levi's Stadium on December 31, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

5 of 5

SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 31: Dillon Mitchell #13 of the Oregon Ducks watches the ball bounce off his hands for an incomplete pass against the Michigan State Spartans during the first half of the Redbox Bowl at Levi’s Stadium on December 31, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

1. No surprise here, the defense remained elite

Coming into the game, Oregon was averaging 40-plus points and over 450 yards of total offense per game, but the Spartans stymied the Ducks.

The Spartans held the Ducks under 100 total yards in the first half and through most of the third quarter, but when the fourth quarter began, it seemed as if the MSU defense was showing some fatigue as Oregon finally crossed the goal-line and took a 7-6 lead and mounted another decent drive which could have put the game away.

Still, the Spartans were only in the game because of the Michigan State defense as the offensive line wasn’t doing the other side of the ball any favors.

Josiah Scott had a great game and nearly came up with two big interceptions and Kenny Willekes and that defensive line was playing stingy defense until he left on a cart with a leg injury.

Next. MSU Basketball: 5 holiday wish list items for 2019. dark

The defense was elite all year and held an explosive offense like Oregon’s in check — not many teams can say that. This unit will be scary in 2019.

Home/Spartans Football