Self-inflicted wounds were the killer for Michigan State football vs. Ohio State

Another week, another slew of turnovers for Michigan State football.

Michigan State hung tight with Ohio State through most of the first half and it was sloppy mistakes that were the difference between a 24-7 deficit at the break and a potential lead.

Long story short, Michigan State shot itself in the leg way too much. And against a team like Ohio State, you can't even make 1-2 mistakes or you can kiss a win goodbye.

Looking back at the first half, there were a handful of instances in which Michigan State drove the ball deep into Ohio State territory but made mistakes and coughed the ball up a couple of times which led to the lopsided score after two quarters.

There was the Jack Velling fumble inside the 20-yard-line after a 26-yard reception looked to get the Spartans into a good scoring opportunity. There was the stuffed fourth-and-1 quarterback sneak in Ohio State territory. And then there was a fumble by Aidan Chiles on a scramble after a clear facemask on Ohio State that wasn't called. Oh, and we can also throw in a dropped interception in the end zone by Malik Spencer and a near-fumble recovery by Jordan Turner which could have flipped a couple of scores.

Michigan State was down by 17 at the half, but even if half of the opportunities above were converted or the results were flipped, the Spartans could have had a lead.

No, we don't do moral victories here, but the fact that Michigan State should have been at least within a score or ahead at the half against the No. 3 team in the country was slightly encouraging.

But the constant avoidable mistakes and turnovers are discouraging.

If Michigan State can clean up the turnovers and penalties and finish drives, the Spartans are going to be able to play with just about anyone in college football. And we have to remember that this team is far from full strength. The future is bright in East Lansing if turnovers are corrected.