Saturday's Youngstown State versus Michigan State football game was one of those contests that feels like it's never going to end, but thankfully, the Spartans avoided disaster to improve to 3-0.
A 41-24 win doesn't exactly instill confidence heading into a huge showdown with USC next Saturday (basically Sunday) night. The Spartan defense that was so stingy in the opener against Western Michigan has suddenly disappeared, and it's been replaced by a group constantly missing assignments against the pass.
Fortunately, the offense picked up the slack for a 41-point performance on the back -- or arm and legs -- of Aidan Chiles and his plethora of talented targets.
Here are three of my instant thoughts on the game before re-watching it.
1. Aidan Chiles has improved in every facet
From throwing the deep ball to staying patient through reads to decision-making, Aidan Chiles has improved in legitimately every facet of the quarterback position.
Chiles has been better with his accuracy (22-of-29 completions), decision-making (his first pick of the year was off a tipped pass), and overall effectiveness (346 total yards). He was masterful against the Penguins and put up some impressive numbers, although that one interception ruins a near-perfect line. He looks far more confident in the pocket this year, and he's making NFL throws.
2. Joe Rossi has a ton of work to do
Joe Rossi was looking like a hero after his defense gave up zero points in Week 1 against Western Michigan, but my, how the tables have turned. The Spartans gave up 40 points last week to Boston College in a double-overtime thriller (the second-half defense was much better), and then they allowed 24 to an FCS foe in Week 3. That's just not good enough.
Not only did Michigan State give up 24 points, it surrendered nearly 350 total yards of offense after giving up over 400 last week.
Rossi has a lot to sort out this week before facing USC.
3. Special teams might be special this year
A thought on offense, defense, and special teams? This may be my most well-rounded post-game takes post of all time.
But that just goes to show how each facet of the game stood out in its own unique way on Saturday. Chiles was exceptional, the defense was indefensible, and the special teams were special -- again.
The star of the special teams show only made one appearance, and Ryan Eckley notched a 48-yard punt. Nothing great, but he wasn't needed on Saturday. A potential rising star showed out once again as redshirt freshman kicker Martin Connington was 2-for-2 on field goals, and 5-for-5 on extra points. He has yet to miss a field goal in the green and white.
Lastly, the return game pulled off a huge play once again. With Youngstown State within seven in the third quarter, it felt like Michigan State needed something big to happen. Omari Kelly flipped the momentum with an 83-yard punt return that should've been a touchdown, but he was tripped up by the shoelaces at the 5-yard-line. Last week, it was Alante Brown doing something similar.
Special teams might be special this season, folks. And that's big.