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

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

EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN - SEPTEMBER 23: Head coach Harlon Barnett of the Michigan State Spartans talks with Malik Spencer #43 in the second quarter of a game against the Maryland Terrapins at Spartan Stadium on September 23, 2023 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images) /

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Sep 23, 2023; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans tight end Maliq Carr (6) grabs a pass in the first quarter against Maryland Terrapins defensive back Dante Trader Jr. (12) at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Young-USA TODAY Sports /

1. There were way too many points left on the field

From the start of the game until the finish, it felt like Michigan State could’ve scored at least two more touchdowns and a field goal.

Michigan State went for it on fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard-line and the Spartans got stuffed. They kicked a field goal and it went off an offensive lineman’s head. They also threw an interception inside the 10 on a screen pass from Katin Houser. Those were just three of the instances in which Michigan State should have scored.

If the Spartans convert on all of those scoring drives, the game is much closer. Heck, the Spartans probably should have won if they didn’t shoot themselves in the foot.

This isn’t even mentioning the five turnovers they had.

Michigan State needs to be smarter with the ball and make the right decisions. If the mistakes are cleaned up, Michigan State is 3-1 right now.

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