Michigan State football: 3 takeaways from hapless Maryland loss in Week 4

Saturday was a forgettable day for Michigan State football. I’m getting used to saying that as it’s been true for two consecutive weeks and it may be true for a while.

The Spartans were dominated, at least on the scoreboard, by Maryland, 31-9. The game was close in the fourth quarter at 21-9 with Michigan State driving behind the arm of Katin Houser, but a poor throw on a questionable screen pass call inside the 10-yard-line led to a pick. A game that was about to be within one score turned into a rout.

Maryland went down to score 10 more points and race to a 22-point win.

What did we learn from the tough loss?

3. It’s time for a quarterback change

Listen, I’m not here to pile on Noah Kim because I know he’s heard enough criticism from his own fans over the past two weeks. I’m here to say that the coaching staff needs to go with the guy who gives the team the best chance to win and has a higher ceiling. That’s just not Kim.

Katin Houser came in and immediately led a long drive that should have ended in a touchdown, but a questionable screen play call led to an overthrow in the red zone and an interception.

Even Sam Leavitt could get some run. Why not see what the young quarterbacks can do?

Clearly Kim is just not cutting it — although Jay Johnson isn’t exactly helping.