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Michigan State football grades at Oregon: Analyzing MSU's performance

Michigan State football grades at Oregon: Analyzing MSU's performance

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Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch rates the Michigan State football team on a scale of 1 to 10 following its 31-10 loss at Oregon.

INJURY: 2

Aidan Chiles' fourth-down pass to Nick Marsh on the first drive of the game was the only highlight of the night when the game was still competitive. Then Chiles fumbled and MSU's next six drives resulted in punts, each scoring five plays or fewer. The Spartans went nowhere for a long time Friday night. The offensive line was overwhelmed and Chiles and MSU's receivers never found a rhythm. The Chiles' final drive took seven plays for 75 yards and a score and put the Spartans on the field. But the game was decided long ago.

DEFENSE: 3

This was the MSU defense's worst performance this season. Like the offense, the Spartans' defense looked outclassed and had trouble tackling in space for the first time this fall. To their credit, they had great interceptions in or near the end zone twice – by Malik Spencer and then by Chuck Brantley. The Spartans had some strong, disciplined moments in the red zone but otherwise made little breakthrough, with no sacks or official quarterback hurries and no answer to Oregon's rushing attack, which produced 213 yards, 166 from slippery running back Jordan James, who had six runs of 13 yards or more.

SPECIAL TEAMS: 7

Ryan Eckley's punts didn't look particularly impressive, but they were designed to prevent Oregon's electric return game from having a chance, and in that regard he got the job done while still averaging 44.3 yards on six punts. MSU's own return game didn't present many opportunities and didn't accomplish much. Jonathan Kim sent two of his three kickoffs for touchbacks and made his only field goal attempt from 42 yards on MSU's final possession.

COACHING: 3

MSU offensive coordinator Brian Lindgren was at a serious disadvantage on the offensive line, but also was unable to get MSU into a rhythm or enable the Spartans' playmakers to make a difference. The fourth down call on MSU's first drive – Chiles to Marsh for 44 yards was perfect. But that was the end of the MSU offense. Defensively, Joe Rossi seemed to have no answers for the first time in a difficult duel. The real work begins now – holding our heads up and getting the best out of this group after a bye week.

RELATED: Couch: Jonathan Smith faces his first real test at MSU as the Spartans' season reaches a critical point

CONCLUSION

At 3-3, MSU's season is going about as we expected. Boston College's loss is coming, and the last two weeks have been humiliating. MSU's roster clearly has its limitations. Oregon is a class above. The same goes for Ohio State. How about Iowa, Michigan and Indiana? We'll find out shortly after a much-needed bye week.

MORE: Couch: 3 quick reactions to Michigan State's 31-10 loss at Oregon

Contact Graham Couch at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @Graham_Couch.

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