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Michigan State football: What we learned vs. Nebraska, what to watch at No. 3 Ohio State

chris solari, detroit free press
·4 min read
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EAST LANSING — Looking back at Michigan State football’s 20-17 win over Nebraska and looking ahead to the Spartans’ road trip Saturday at No. 3 Ohio State.

Three things we learned

Still fighting: After being outscored 58-6 in the fourth quarter of its five Big Ten losses, MSU found the moxie to get a 25-yard touchdown on a pass from Sam Leavitt to Montorie Foster to go up 20-10 on Nebraska early in the final period. Though the Spartans’ offense turtled from there, going three-and-out on each of its ensuing four drives with starting QB Katin Houser, including a missed field-goal attempt, their defense forced an interception and a fumble and caused the 'Huskers to scramble on the final play. That came after a quick-strike TD drive got Nebraska within reach of a score. MSU held on to end a six-game losing streak and prevent its second 0-6 start in Big Ten play.

Michigan State's Simeon Barrow Jr., left, and Jalen Thompson force a fumble by Nebraska's Heinrich Haarberg during the fourth quarter on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.
Michigan State's Simeon Barrow Jr., left, and Jalen Thompson force a fumble by Nebraska's Heinrich Haarberg during the fourth quarter on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.

Attack mode: Speaking of defense, the Spartans dialed up a boatload of pressure on Nebraska quarterback Heinrich Haartberg all afternoon. Freshman defensive end Jalen Thompson had two of MSU’s seven sacks, which equaled the team's season high set against FCS-level Richmond, while defensive tackles Maverick Hansen and Simeon Barrow combined for 2½ sacks. Thompson also had one of the Spartans’ three QB hurries, and sophomore cornerback Dillon Tatum added two of their 12 tackles for loss.

Getting creative: While the quarterback situation remains unsettled, MSU also has plenty of other questions. Sophomore Nate Carter ran 15 times for 50 yards, but the lack of depth at running back is glaring. Senior Jaren Mangham, who has been hurt all season, had one carry and appeared to limp off in the third quarter. Houser became the secondary rushing option, with 13 yards on 10 carries (that included being sacked twice). Leavitt got sacked once but picked up a key third-down conversion on the play before his TD pass. Offensive coordinator Jay Johnson also used wide receiver Alante Brown both to run and pass, with a 42-yard toss to Foster setting up Houser’s touchdown pass to Christian Fitzpatrick in the second quarter. Brown also appeared prepared to throw another pass as MSU was hanging on to its lead in the final minutes but decided to tuck it and run.

MUCH-NEEDED WIN: It wasn't easy. Nothing has been. But win over Nebraska cathartic for Michigan State

Next up: No. 3 Buckeyes

Matchup: Michigan State (3-6, 1-5 Big Ten) at No. 3 Ohio State (9-0, 6-0).

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m., Saturday; Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio.

TV/radio: NBC, WJR-AM (760).

Line: Buckeyes by 30.

Oct 8, 2022; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back TreVeyon Henderson (32) carries the ball past Michigan State Spartans linebacker Cal Haladay (27) in the second quarter of the NCAA Division I football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium.
Oct 8, 2022; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back TreVeyon Henderson (32) carries the ball past Michigan State Spartans linebacker Cal Haladay (27) in the second quarter of the NCAA Division I football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium.

Know the foe

The Buckeyes, who were ranked No. 1 last week in the initial College Football Playoff rankings, are the third of four top-10 opponents the Spartans will face this season. Coach Ryan Day’s offense is not quite as potent as it has been in recent years, averaging 417.6 yards to rank 45th nationally and scoring 32.8 points a game to rank 32nd. However, OSU's defense ranks No. 2 nationally by allowing just 10.7 points, is third in passing yards allowed (156.7) and 25th against the run (114.4). First-year starting QB Kyle McCord is throwing for 261.3 yards per game and completing nearly 65% of his passes with 17 touchdowns to four interceptions. His weapons are familiar ones —receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. is fourth in the nation with 10 touchdown catches and ninth with 101.6 receiving yards per game (despite picking up just 25 yards on four catches in OSU's win over Rutgers). Running back TreVeyon Henderson, after missing three games with an injury, is rounding into form with 290 yards and two TDs in his past two games. The Buckeyes on Saturday pulled away on the road at Rutgers, 35-16, after another closer-than-expected win at Wisconsin (24-10) the previous week.

Contact Chris Solari: csolari@freepress.com. Follow him @chrissolari.

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This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan State football: What we learned, what to watch at Ohio State