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What Mel Tucker said after Michigan State’s loss to Penn State
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It looked like Michigan State was well on its way to beating Penn State to close out the season, until it wasn’t meant to be.
The Spartans had a 21-10 lead over the Nittany Lions at halftime but then allowed Penn State to score 29 points in the second half to lose the game, 39-24.
Quarterback Payton Thorne was a big bright spot for Michigan State though as he had over 300 yards passing with three touchdowns to one interception.
With the loss, they finish the regular season at 2-5 before a Champions Week showdown next weekend against whoever the Big Ten schedules them with.
Head coach Mel Tucker spoke to the media after the game and with his team reeling, here’s what he had to say:
Mel Tucker: “We’re building a football team.” Says “it was crystal clear” in the first half what MSU is striving fit. “In the second half, we did not do that.”
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) December 12, 2020
Tucker said he told players at hotel and before game to play hard, be physical and execute. “Play the next play and don’t look at the scoreboard.” Felt they played hard “but that’s not a moral victory.”
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) December 12, 2020
Tucker: “We’re gonna recruit like maniacs to help our team.” Hopes to find out soon who MSU will play next week.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) December 12, 2020
Tucker: “If you’re a competitor, you’re just more motivated.”
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) December 12, 2020
Tucker said his players “are coachsble and they will work.”
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) December 12, 2020
Tucker confirms he took the third-and-7 penalty when PSU was short of the first down to get another stop and improve field position on punt. Worked out and led to MSU’s first TD.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) December 12, 2020
Tucker said “I really haven’t been told anything” about next week’s opponent/location of game. Also said QB Rocky Lombardi “will be ready when he’s ready” as an injury update.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) December 12, 2020
Tucker said he'll have to look at the film to make a final judgment on Payton Thorne but said he was poised and aware the entire game. Added Rocky Lombardi "will be ready when he's ready."
— Matt Charboneau (@mattcharboneau) December 12, 2020
Asked about second-half problems on offense, Mel Tucker said it was about execution, or lack thereof.
— Matt Charboneau (@mattcharboneau) December 12, 2020
Tucker said he hasn't been told anything on next week's opponent at this point. Says he'll "be asking a lot of questions. … might not know tonight but maybe narrow it down to a couple teams."
— Matt Charboneau (@mattcharboneau) December 12, 2020
Tucker says he wants more talent depth so practices become like games. “That’s really where we are right now.” Both physical and mental.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) December 12, 2020