Michigan State football: 3 things to work on before facing No. 6 Michigan

2. Improving on third downs

Against Indiana, the Spartans were 5-for-16 on third downs. It’s becoming a pattern and it may be worse than penalties.

The Spartans rank 99th in the FBS in third-down conversion percentage, converting only 35 percent of third downs. These are the top teams: Coastal Carolina ranks No. 1 on third-down conversions with 62 percent resulting in firsts. Ohio State ranks No. 2 (57 percent) and Alabama is No. 3 (55 percent).

On defense, Michigan State ranks 70th in the FBS, holding teams to a 39 percent third-down conversion rate. At No. 1, NC State is holding opponents to a third-down conversion percentage of 25. Granted, schedule strength plays a large role in it, but even Michigan holds opponents to a 34 percent conversion rate.

Their defensive woes are due to the “bend-but-don’t-break defense” strategy, which some take issue with. It certainly helped them against Indiana, also thanks to the abysmal red zone offense which has plagued the Hoosiers all season.

That bend-but-don’t-break defensive strategy allowed Indiana to get into the red zone, but they started the game going 0-for-3 in the red zone with three field goals. It’s not a red zone victory if you’re settling for field goals all day.

Michigan State’s defense hasn’t been as horrible as we crucify it for. The Spartans rank 87th in the FBS in total defense, allowing 406 yards allowed per game, but they allow less than two touchdowns per game. They also have a positive turnover margin.

If they don’t change the conversion ratio, they may lose their biggest games.