Michigan State Football: Where do Spartans go after Arizona State loss?

Michigan State football takes on Northwestern on Saturday. After last Saturday’s devastating loss, where do the Spartans go from here?

Last Saturday served as a sobering reminder that the Spartans are still not ready to compete for a Big Ten title. Is that an overreaction? Maybe. Or maybe it’s the reality of a team that had everything on the line in the fourth quarter against a young Arizona State and let it off the hook.

To compound problems, head coach Mark Dantonio, per his post-game comments, is more concerned about the penalty that wasn’t.

Everything was set to celebrate Dantonio and what he has meant to the program being the all-time winningest coach and now fans and pundits are left scratching their heads. It was a mental breakdown that was reminiscent of John L. Smith’s time. Too many linemen on the field.

I get it, there were injuries, however, this is college football and somebody missed a small assignment, which is to count the players going out for a critical play.

What’s the problem? It has been that MSU has a lack of focus. Maybe the Spartans read their press clippings after Western Michigan. Maybe they pressed too hard or maybe the moment was too much? Michigan State now faces Northwestern, a foe that has owned the Spartans. Can they get back on track?

I have no clue. I have no idea who this team is and neither do fans or pundits. Penalties against ASU were foolish and undisciplined. Does this team have the talent? Of course. However, the frustrating issue is that fans and media rarely witness it.

Everything is still in front of the Spartans if they can get themselves focused. But will they? What do you think?