- The Spartans' defense is overrated from the stand point it is exceptionally stout until it really has to stop an opposing team. The first half of this game is a classic example. Notre Dame has many weapons, but the Fighting Irish offense was clearly perplexed. Then, at the end of the half, Notre Dame moved right down the field to take a 10-7 lead. It was kind of a snap shot of MSU's defense last year. It must change if the Spartans defense is, indeed, going to be the difference-making element in their games.
- The fact this game is low-scoring clearly plays into MSU's hands. If this game were to become any sort of shootout, the Fighting Irish would win. But it seems very unlikely.
- The Spartans wasted scoring opportunity deep in ND's territory early in the first quarter was very hurtful. There is no excuse to miss that the field goal, or not make more of a threat to score a TD. The kicking specialists on both teams had a rough first half, though.
- I don't know what it is, but the number of passes MSU's receivers drop is alarming. This has been going on for more than a year now. What reason is there to believe it is going to change soon? And it's not just s couple of receivers. It's all the Spartans' receivers. It's amazing. It doesn't matter who the MSU quarterback is in a sense. They don't have a chance. When Macgarrett Kings Jr. held onto Connor Cook's perfectly thrown pass for MSU's second quarter touchdown, it's as Al Michaels should have been calling the game, breaking out his, "Do you believe in miracles? Yes!!!" line.
- In no way am I saying Nick Hill is a great running back. But he is better than I thought he was, and he has made some good runs today. He is scrappy and does fight for the extra yard. He is not a finesse back, which was my thought about him in the past.