That we were beaten soundly just is not accurate. Yes, it FELT as if we were not truly “in it” (though we were until that last TD by MSU.)
It can be argued that not only should we have won, but won big with a “talent disparity.” But we did not.
Let’s look at the stat sheet and see if we objectively got steamrolled.
MSU. MICH
1st downs. 20. 28
3rd downs. 5-14. 7-17
4th downs. 1-1. 1-1
Total yards. 449. 452
Passing yds. 323 300
Compl. % 17-32 32-52
Yards per play 10.1 5.8
Interceptions 0 0
Rush yards 126 152
Yards per rush 3.3 4.5
Penalties 5-65 yds. 10-86 yds.
Turnovers 0 0
Possession time 26:13 mins. 33:47 mins.
I highlighted the yards per play, as THAT was the “back-breaker.” Yea, we wracked up a lot of penalties too, and undisciplined behavior hurt us at inopportune times. But otherwise, we more than held our own.
Look at total yards. Essentially dead even. Passing yards within 23 yards total difference.
Anyway, there it is.
It can be argued that not only should we have won, but won big with a “talent disparity.” But we did not.
Let’s look at the stat sheet and see if we objectively got steamrolled.
MSU. MICH
1st downs. 20. 28
3rd downs. 5-14. 7-17
4th downs. 1-1. 1-1
Total yards. 449. 452
Passing yds. 323 300
Compl. % 17-32 32-52
Yards per play 10.1 5.8
Interceptions 0 0
Rush yards 126 152
Yards per rush 3.3 4.5
Penalties 5-65 yds. 10-86 yds.
Turnovers 0 0
Possession time 26:13 mins. 33:47 mins.
I highlighted the yards per play, as THAT was the “back-breaker.” Yea, we wracked up a lot of penalties too, and undisciplined behavior hurt us at inopportune times. But otherwise, we more than held our own.
Look at total yards. Essentially dead even. Passing yards within 23 yards total difference.
Anyway, there it is.
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