Trailing at halftime, the Michigan defense stepped up to hold the Michigan State offense to just one first down in the second half.
However, the effort from the nation’s No. 1-ranked defense was not enough, and the Wolverines fell 14-10 at home to the Spartans.
Entering the game, Michigan State averaged 430 yards per contest. Michigan held it to 252. But while the defense kept the in-state rivals off the scoreboard in the second half, two key things were missing.
Michigan did not record a turnover or a sack for the first time this season.
Michigan State’s defense recorded five turnovers and four sacks, keeping the Michigan offense in check. The Wolverines were never able to come up with a momentum-shifting play that many have come to expect from the defense.
“We didn’t generate any turnovers, and that’s a big part of our game,” fifth-year senior defensive tackle Mo Hurst said. “We needed to do that to change the outcome. We hold ourselves responsible, because we want to generate turnovers and make big plays.”
Sophomore linebacker Devin Bush Jr. and Hurst each had eight tackles to lead the Wolverines.
Michigan State scored touchdowns on two of its first four drives to start the game, but wasn’t able to do much afterwards. The Spartans netted 149 yards on its first quartet of possessions, gaining just 103 yards the rest of the way. Michigan’s defense forced nine punts and a turnover on downs to close out the game.
Team captain and fifth-year senior linebacker Mike McCray said the defense can’t get frustrated with the Michigan offense, despite its inability to score points late in the game.
“We’re a team. If the offense is doing bad, we’re doing bad," McCray said. "Can’t get frustrated with them … they can’t get frustrated with us. We’re a team.”
The heavy rain and winds left the field in rough shape, and water started to build up between the hash marks. The first pass attempted by either team after the rain started was dropped.
“Our shoes were extremely heavy, and it was very wet,” Hurst said. “Football is a tough person’s sport. We have to come out and play no matter what the conditions are.”
Michigan allowed 158 yards rushing — more than double the average amount of rushing yards the team had given up per game entering play (69.3).
Michigan State redshirt sophomore quarterback Brian Lewerke led the Spartans in rushing with 15 carries for 61 yards and a touchdown. Meanwhile, starter and junior running back LJ Scott did not play for the Spartans.
The Wolverine defense did hold Lewerke to just 94 yards through the air.
On special teams, redshirt freshman kicker Quinn Nordin got Michigan on the board with a 30-yard field goal after a 16-play first drive. He is now 12 of 14 on field goals this season.
Freshman punter Brad Robbins punted seven times for a career-high 298 yards. In the second quarter, he had a career-long 57-yard punt.
Freshman wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones wasn’t able to break any long runs in the punt return game, returning three kicks for a total of six yards.
Rookie cornerback Ambry Thomas ran back the first kickoff return of his career for 30 yards.
Miscellaneous Notes
· Michigan entered the game allowing just 14.7 yards per drive — which ranked the best in the country. Michigan State averaged 16.8 yards per possession Saturday.
· Michigan has not allowed a single point to opposing teams in the second half this season.
· Michigan limited Michigan State to just two third-down conversions on 14 attempts. The Wolverines have allowed opponents to convert just 18.3 percent of its third-down chances (13-71). They ranked No. 3 in the nation in that category entering Saturday’s game.
· The Wolverines record five tackles for loss. It’s the fewest stops behind the line of scrimmage Michigan has recorded this season.
· Redshirt junior defensive tackle Bryan Mone got his first two tackles of the season.
· Michigan allowed 66 yards in the second half.
· This is Michigan’s first loss in a home night game. They are now 3-1 under the lights at The Big House.
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