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Michigan State Spartans Loss To Ohio State Kills Playoff Chances

By Mike Dallas

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In one of the most anticipated Big Ten games of the season, the No. 8 Michigan State Spartans fell to the No. 14 Ohio State Buckeyes 49 to 37 in East Lansing, MI, Saturday night.

The Spartans took an early 7-0 lead, surging on their first drive as Junior quarterback Connor Cook connected with Senior receiver Keith Mumphrey. But the Buckeyes quickly responded, marching down the field on the normally stout Spartans defense. Freshmen quarterback J.T. Barrett rushed for a five yard touchdown to tie the game at seven.

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Afterwards, the momentum slowly swung in favor of Ohio State.  Play after play the Buckeyes grew stronger and more comfortable while the Spartans weltered on both sides of the ball.

The Spartans defense was anything but themselves in the first half, giving up 332 total yards in the first half and 568 total yards and allowing seven total touchdowns.

The two offensive stars for the Spartans also did not perform the way the fans have become accustomed to. Connor Cook went just 22/41 for 310 yards and two touchdowns.  Big time receiver Tony Lippett had just four receptions for 48 yards and was completely irrelevant during key stretches of the game.

While Cook’s numbers look fine, he failed to find a rhythm with his receivers the entire game and threw some very questionable throws.

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Michigan State Basketball: Takeaways from Spartans' loss to Wisconsin
Michigan State Basketball: Takeaways from Spartans' loss to Wisconsin /

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    • On the other side, Barrett did not have the same problems. He torched Michigan State, going 16/25 for 300 yards and three touchdowns and  rushed for 86 yards and added two rushing touchdowns, keeping MSU two steps behind the entire game.

    While the score showed a close game, it was clear Michigan State was out played and looked a step slow the entire game. Giving up big plays to Buckeye receivers and questionable play calls on fourth down, cost MSU the game.

    Penalties also plagued MSU. The Spartans were charged with eight penalties for 70 yards and turning the ball over two times.

    It wasn’t all bad for Michigan State, running back Jeremy Langford rushed for 137 yards on 18 carries and scored three times.

    Ohio State improves to 8-1 and 5-0 in conference play and improves their chances of making the playoffs. With the loss MSU drops to 7-2 and 5-1 in conference play. The loss basically kills their chance of making the college football playoff.

    The Buckeyes remain unbeaten in East Lansing since 1999.

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