Take turnovers out of the equation and the Spartans are a tough out
In the field position battle, @HawkeyeFootball dominates with an average +10 yards of field position over opponents, followed closely by @OhioStateFB.@MSU_Football are in their own rectangle out there, probably due to all the turnovers in bad positions. pic.twitter.com/u1Bvd86QJI
— Staturdays | CFB Stats + Analytics (@Staturdays) December 3, 2020
From what we see above the Spartans have lost the turnover battle this season. It has resulted in a lot of yardage given up, and a terrible starting position. This has put the team behind in games and made it difficult to keep pace in some of the games. Ohio State has an explosive offense, and getting behind on the Buckeyes is a recipe for losing.
A lot of the issues stem from shaky quarterback play. If the Spartans can help keep the offensive turnovers down, and allow their playmaking defensive back, Shakur Brown, to keep making interceptions, the Spartans could hang around in the game. But, again this starts with the quarterback play.
Turnovers are hard to predict, and Michigan State showed that it can play with anyone when it takes care of the ball and doesn’t suffer some bad luck.
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