Michigan State Football: 4 key plays in blowout loss to Indiana

The Michigan State football (4-5) team had a day that it would rather forget on Saturday. After starting off with a 10-0 lead going into the second quarter, the Spartans proceeded to give up 47 unanswered points. This game was always going to be a weird one, most against Indiana are, but nobody expected this. Most fans and even those in the media couldn’t have predicted Indiana surging like they have. They genuinely look like a team that has a solid shot at making the College Football Playoff. Even writing that statement seems wrong given this teams history.

While it would be good from the teams standpoint to put this game out of the memory banks, lets take a look at a few key plays in this 47-10 Spartan loss.

Nick Marsh sets freshman receiving record on 33-yard catch in first quarter

One of the big things that Spartan fans were hoping for happened quickly on Saturday. Going into the game, Nick Marsh was 16 yards shy of the freshman receiving record set by Cody White. It did not take him long to break that because on his first reception he doubled what he needed. Not only did he make the play but Marsh mossed the defender to write his name in the Spartan history books. Out of all the ups and downs of this season, he is clearly the brightest star that Spartan fans have. The future looks bright, if we can just make it there.

Marsh 18-yard TD catch at 2:39 in first quarter

NICK MARSH!

MICHIGAN STATE LEADS 10-0 OVER INDIANA EARLY 👀🔥

pic.twitter.com/42WFb9qRBI

— College Football Report (@CFBRep) November 2, 2024

While there were many lowlights from the game, this touchdown pass was easily the highlight for the Spartans. Aidan Chiles threw a perfect pass that nobody but Nick Marsh could have brought in. He was able to get his feet down and pull the ball in for easily the best touchdown reception this season. This just builds off of a great quarter where Marsh also set the freshman receiving record. While Marsh making the catch is the main highlight here, it needs to be mentioned that this is Aidan knowing exactly where to place the ball. It is one of those Heisman plays that he has made on occasion this season that fills all Spartan fans with hope for the future.

Aidan Chiles intercepted by Amare Ferrell at 13:37 in second quarter

This play seemed to be the first sign of trouble for the Spartans in the game. Following an Indiana touchdown, it was 10-7 and the Spartans were driving the ball down the field. Michigan State football was on the 50-yard-line when Chiles tried to hit Jack Velling when Amare Ferrell made a diving play to end the Spartan drive. Over the last few weeks, Chiles has been doing a much better job of protecting the football and making smarter throws. This one unfortunately couldn’t beat the sophomore as he timed the throw perfectly. The issue here is not necessarily Chiles, its that the play allowed Indiana to gain momentum. That team is too good to allow any momentum and it felt like a drastic change was coming as soon as the ball picked off.

D’Angelo Ponds blocks Ryan Eckley punt for a safety in third quarter

There is always one play in games like these where fans really get deflated. Down 21-10, the Spartans went to punt the ball deep in their territory. Unfortunately, D’Angelo Ponds of the Hoosier defense was able to get his hands on the ball and lead Ryan Eckley to bat the ball out of the endzone for a safety. It could have been worse considering the play could have resulted in a touchdown, but at this point in the game any points for Indiana would have sealed it. The Spartan offense really seemed lackluster for the remainder of the game and did not have the same spark that they had at the beginning of the game. The score at that point was only 23-10 but Indiana was out performing the Spartans in almost every way.

Overall thoughts

It is never easy when you are going up against a ranked opponent. The issue with this 47-10 loss though is that the Spartans came out strong. The team was not able to hold on to the energy it started with and were beaten soundly by a much better team. It feels strange to look at them this way but the Hoosiers seem to be the real deal.

As for Michigan State football, a bowl game is not out of the question yet. The team needs to take the bye week and use it to prepare for the Fighting Illini on Nov. 16. That will be a tough road test in Champaign. The game will be airing on Fox Sports 1 and kickoff will be at 2:30 p.m. ET.