Michigan State Football: 3 hot takes from disappointing Rutgers loss

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Oct 24, 2020; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights defensive back Max Melton (16) tackles Michigan State Spartans wide receiver Jalen Nailor (8) during the fourth quarter at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

2. If MSU kicks a FG while down 28-20, the Spartans win

This may actually be the hottest take of all, but I’m sticking with it. Do I think Rutgers was the better team on Saturday? Absolutely. The Scarlet Knights out-toughed Michigan State and were far more opportunistic, scoring 17 points off turnovers and a turnover on downs.

However, I have a hard time saying Rutgers beat Michigan State because the Spartans beat themselves over and over.

There were plenty of chances for Michigan State and that big 14-0 deficit early on was avoidable. Michigan State turned the ball over on a completion to Jayden Reed on the first play of the game where he coughed up the ball and then the Scarlet Knights went down and scored on a short field.

That big deficit could have been avoided, but Michigan State still battled back and pulled within eight in the third quarter before passing up a field goal attempt by a perfect Matt Coghlin to go for it on fourth down only to run a terrible play and come up short on a failed conversion. That led to three points the other way.

At that point the game was basically decided. If Michigan State kicks a field goal to make it 28-23, the momentum stays on the Spartans’ side. They kick off and either hold Rutgers to a field goal or get the ball back and either tie or take a lead on their next possession.

Not kicking a field goal there cost Michigan State momentum and potentially the game. If they kick it, I believe the Spartans win.

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