Michigan State defense struggles to contain high-flying Washington passing attack in blowout loss
Saturday night was not one Spartans everywhere will want to remember.
Michigan State dropped their first game of the 2022 season in disappointing fashion on Saturday evening, with the Huskies topping the Spartans, 39-28. The Spartans fell down early and were never able to completely catch back up to the Huskies due to poor defensive play.
Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. diced up the Spartans secondary on Saturday, finishing with 397 yards and four touchdowns. Overall, the Spartans were out gained by Washington 503 to 365 in total yards.
Things got off to a rough start off the bat for the Spartans who fell behind 22-0 in the first half. Michigan State was able to finally get some momentum late in the second quarter with a 75-play drive to cut the deficit to 14 points. However, Washington drove right back down the field to score one final touchdown before halftime to carry a 29-8 lead into the break.
In the opening half, Washington scored touchdowns on four of their five drives, and their lone non-scoring drive was a goal line stop by the Spartans’ defense. The Huskies held a 332-to-90 total yards advantage in the first half.
Michigan State was able to open the second half with a touchdown to cut the Huskies’ lead back to two possessions, but Washington would respond with another Penix touchdown pass. The Spartans would end the game with a pair of touchdowns to close the gap before Washington ran the clock out to clinch the victory.
One positive from Saturday was that Michigan State quarterback Payton Thorne looked improved despite the team’s lackluster performance. Thorne finished the game completing 30 of 42 attempts for 323 yards, three touchdowns and one interception.
Another positive for the Spartans was wide receiver Keon Coleman emerging as an offensive threat in the absence of Jayden Reed. Coleman ended the game with nine receptions for 116 yards and two touchdowns.
The Spartans’ rushing attack was held in check all night, with running backs Jalen Berger and Jarek Broussard combining for only 30 yards on 17 attempts. As a team, Michigan State ended the game with 42 rushing yards on 29 attempts.
Michigan State will look to bounce back from Saturday’s brutal loss in their conference opener next week against Minnesota. The Golden Gophers enter this matchup 3-0 on the season, and will be coming off a blowout victory of Colorado this week.
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