3 quick takes from Michigan State football's disappointing loss to Michigan

This one hurt.
Michigan State quarterback Aidan Chiles (2) looks before making a pass against Michigan during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024.
Michigan State quarterback Aidan Chiles (2) looks before making a pass against Michigan during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. / Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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Saturday night's 24-17 loss to Michigan was the third straight in the rivalry for Michigan State football as the Spartans dropped to 4-4 on the year.

While the Spartans were underdogs heading into this game, it was still massively disappointing to see them dominate in most statistical categories only to lose by a touchdown.

You could honestly point to 2-3 moments in the game that were really the difference between a win and a tough loss. First, there was the missed field goal from extra point range by Jonathan Kim and then there was the fumble by Aidan Chiles near the end of the first half which led to a go-ahead field goal for Michigan.

And then there was the failed onside kick to start the second half which gave Michigan some great field position. Jonathan Smith should've just trusted his defense to get a stop.

The loss was tough, but we learned some things about this team.

1. Jonathan Smith and Co. now know how important this game is

For some reason, it felt like there wasn't quite the sense of urgency that is to be expected for this annual rivalry game and it felt like Jonathan Smith and Co. just handed the game to the Wolverines. That can't happen moving forward.

The first-year head coach needs to treat this game a little differently than the rest and make sure that his players know just how important winning Paul Bunyan is.

Next year should be completely different.

2. Welcome back, Nate Carter

OK, so for a second straight game, the offensive line was not just effective but it was rather dominant. The Spartans rushed for 163 yards and a touchdown on Saturday night as Nate Carter led the way with 118 yards and a score on 19 carries. He looked like his old self and it was an encouraging sign heading into the final month of play.

If we can get this version of the line and Carter moving forward, the offense might just go off in the final month of the season en route to a bowl berth.

It's good to see Carter have some success finally.

3. Little mistakes made a big difference

As mentioned earlier, there were a number of small mistakes that piled up and led to a 7-point loss. That first was the Kim missed field goal followed by a Chiles fumble and then a failed onside kick to start the second half. If all three of those mistakes go the other way, Michigan State heads into halftime with a 10-6 lead and then it stops Michigan's first drive in the second half.

These mistakes led to 10 points for the Wolverines which was ultimately the difference between a 7-point loss and a 3-point win.

Smith will clean this stuff up and outside of the fumble, Chiles looked solid, completing 17-of-23 passes for 189 yards and a touchdown. He's gaining confidence, but he has to cut those mistakes down or this team won't be bowling.