VIOLATION: 4

When you have 246 total yards, two turnovers in the red zone (three total) and only one score, you would think it was a completely dismal day offensively. But that is not the case. MSU was effective in moving the chains in the first half, hitting Ohio State on six plays of 15 yards or more. Aidan Chiles was the best he’s ever been for a while, completing 10 of his first 12 throws — including the kind of deep out to Nick Marsh that ultimately leaves you playing on Sunday. But the attack also failed in the second half and the mistakes in the first half prevented the outcome from being interesting.

DEFENSE: 5

On Ohio State’s first drive, it looked like it could be a long night for MSU’s defense. But the Spartans used a penalty to force a field goal and then hung in there, making a pair of big stops when the outcome was still in doubt — an interception by Jordan Turner, whose return to the 12-yard line left MSU alone scored a touchdown. , and a three-and-out after Chiles fumbled when the officiating crew missed a blatant grab of his facemask. Emotions were running high at that point and MSU’s defense came through with a disciplined stance. The Spartans were beaten on third down too often and when they did get stops, they gave up a score or first deficit on fourth down three times, although one touchdown came on an incredible catch by Ohio State freshman receiver Jeremiah Smith. .

SPECIAL TEAMS: 4

Ryan Eckley averaged 46.6 yards on five punts, including a 58-yarder, but he shoved away the only punt that really mattered, a rare mistake by MSU’s sophomore. Eckley’s 27-yard punt late in the second quarter gave the Buckeyes a short field, which turned into a touchdown drive for a 24-7 lead just before halftime. Those were the only notable special teams play all night.