As the final seconds ticked off the clock in a Week 4 loss to USC, it was clear that Michigan State football needed to make some changes. The team was far from polished, and that should excite Spartan fans because the team hasn't even approached its ceiling.
But fixes do need to be made during the bye and game prep for Nebraska in Week 6.
The Spartans are 3-1 on the season with one of the worst defenses in the country, while Nebraska is also 3-1 with a home loss to Michigan. Beating Dylan Raiola and that offense won't be easy, and these fixes need to be made by the Spartans before that showdown in Lincoln.
1. The pass rush
Fixing this isn't exactly quick or easy. This is something that might not actually happen until the offseason when Jonathan Smith and Co. dip into the portal and the 2026 class to upgrade the roster, but there can be personnel changes -- like shifting some playing time to the younger guys.
I don't know what the fix needs to be, but maybe giving Derrick Simmons, Anelu Lafaele, and some other young guys some run would be positive for this year's team and for years to come.
2. Defensive backfield personnel
Again, this may not be a quick fix either, but I think after four games, it's obvious which defensive backs haven't been playing well and should probably fight to keep their snap counts high. I'd love to see more from younger guys like Chance Rucker and Aydan West.
Making some changes in the defensive backfield might end up giving the secondary a shot in the arm, and it could potentially take the pressure off of Joe Rossi.
3. Pass protection
This could also be a personnel issue, but the pass protection has been subpar this season. The run blocking has proven to be effective, and it was ranked one of the top-20 offensive lines in the country during run plays.
Pass blocking has been a completely different story.
Aidan Chiles needs to stay healthy for the entire season if the Spartans are going to make a bowl game, and to ensure that, Jim Michalczik has to figure out the right combination up front.