Grades for the Spartans' performance against the Wolverines

Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch grades the Spartans on a scale of 1-10.

OFFENSE 8

This is a high mark for team that scored two touchdowns and picked up just two first downs in the second half. But MSU’s offense was effective with both the pass and the run when the weather still allowed for balance. Once it didn’t, the Spartans were smart and protected their slim lead. Led by QB Brian Lewerke’s feet, the Spartans capitalized on an early turnover near midfield. Then, two possessions later, his arm and MSU’s wideouts made the margin 14-3. It might have been 21-3 at the half if not for a Trishton Jackson dropped pass on a third down. The Spartans rushed for 158 yards — about 100 more than I thought they would — and didn’t turn the ball over, despite a monsoon and two fumbles, the last of which was scooped up by Lewerke before he ran for a pivotal first down in the final minutes.

DEFENSE 9

It’s hard to blame MSU’s defense for the touchdown it gave up. With the wind picking up, MSU’s offense left the Wolverines a short field early in the second half and the Spartan defense relented. Otherwise, this crew was fantastic, forcing five turnovers — three interceptions and two fumbles — and sacking Michigan quarterback John O’Korn four times. That’s 13 sacks on the season through five games, two more sacks than all of last season. The fumble Joe Bachie forced at midfield on the Wolverines’ second possession changed the game. MSU’s sound red zone defense on the Wolverines’ first drive, forcing a field goal, let everyone know Michigan was in for a fight. 

SPECIAL TEAMS 8

The wind made for a brutal night in the kicking and return game. But MSU survived it. It was lucky to have junior punter Jake Hartbarger, who punted 11 times, averaging 39.1 per kick. Mostly, he avoided disaster and did his best to play to the elements. His 42-yard punt to the 19-yard line in the third-quarter rain flipped the field when MSU desperately needed it. MSU didn’t attempt a field goal and covered kicks well most of the time. Freshman returner Laress Nelson muffed a punt catch in the third quarter. It might have been costly, if he hadn’t darted back and recovered the ball at the 2-yard line. It was big mistake, but also a heads-up play.

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COACHING 9

The offensive play calling on the Spartans’ two touchdown drives — especially the second one — was clinic by often-criticized co-coordinator Dave Warner. Then, in the second half, with the lead, MSU didn’t risk throwing the ball in the elements, as Michigan did. The Wolverines paid for it. They were behind, though, and didn’t have a choice. The Spartans looked like a well-prepared and confident team, winning a game that changes the outlook and expectations for the season and perhaps alters the perception of a rivalry.

BOTTOM LINE 

Whatever you might have realistically hoped for from MSU’s football season, scrap it. The Spartans have a chance to be a player in the Big Ten race after beating two good, albeit flawed teams in Iowa and Michigan. MSU has something special brewing with quarterback Brian Lewerke, and its defense is playing at a level we haven’t seen since late in 2015. Given the youth, the week-to-week improvement and the swagger that comes with winning, MSU should be a dangerous and capable team the rest of the way.

— Graham Couch