Michigan State football: Defense needs to get on track against Maryland

Since Maryland’s introduction into the Big Ten, the Terrapins have been at the bottom. Along with Rutgers, no one has been able to take the program seriously. On Saturday, however, Michigan State football’s secondary may have its hands full.

As a preview to the Spartans’ game against Purdue, it was clear that Aidan O’Connell may tear up a weak secondary. Between some injuries and a bad game plan, he did just that. What’s worse is the Spartans looked good late against Michigan. They were able to draw up timely pressure and make Cade McNamara uncomfortable, ultimately leading to some key turnovers.

Michigan State did none of that against Purdue, barely getting any pressure on O’Connell.

Maryland could be the perfect “reset” for Michigan State football

The Terrapins are not the same team they were a half-decade ago. They hold a record that’s good enough to be fifth in the Big Ten East. It’s not great, but they can be sneaky. They have wins against West Virginia, Indiana, and Illinois.

This season, Maryland quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa is completing 70 percent of his passes, has a passer rating of 151, and has thrown for more than 2,755 yards. These are better stats than Michigan State quarterback Payton Thorne. Of course, the Spartans’ offense is built around dynamic running back Kenneth Walker III.

Maryland, like Purdue, doesn’t have a great rushing attack. Michigan State has defended the run well this season. Through the air, it’s a different story.

This is precisely where Michigan State can treat Maryland as their “get right” game. If they ever needed a game to practice defending the pass, it’s this game. Do I think Maryland has a good shot at beating Michigan State? No.

Maryland gave up 166 rushing yards to an Ohio State team who does not prioritize the run. Their turnover ratio is -9 and they are a team that beats themselves far too often. Holes in the defense and fundamentals will end up costing Maryland at least two more games this season.

As a response to Michigan State’s loss to Purdue and subpar defensive effort, Mel Tucker ensured that he’s working to fix these holes. To reset against Maryland, the Spartans will need to try more things, get some better matchups, and surprise the offense.

It was apparent that Michigan State’s play calling had become stale against Purdue, but to realize their goals, the Spartans will need to create defensive pressure and get aggressive. Tucker has already expressed that he doesn’t like the “bend-not-break” strategy since it means your defense isn’t getting off the field on third downs.

The Spartans need to make things happen for them to ramp up to their Nov. 20 game in Columbus.