The Michigan State offense was going to be under a microscope on Friday night. After an atrocious season a year ago, Mark Dantonio reshuffled the staff in an attempt to field a more productive unit.

It’s only been one game, but there’s plenty of skepticism about whether or not the Spartans actually saw any improvement.

Michigan State got off to a solid start offensively on Friday night against Tulsa, jumping out to a 7-0 lead less than four minutes into the contest. It was a nine-play 73-yard scoring drive to start the season.

Things looked really good.

After that, though, things went downhill. The Spartans scored just one more touchdown in the game, a fumble recovery in the end zone by Kenny Willekes on a strip-sack. Kicker Matt Coghlin knocked down four field goal attempts and the Michigan State defense got a safety.

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At one point in the game, Michigan State’s offense was booed. Asked about it after the game, quarterback Brian Lewerke says he can’t blame the fans for the unhappiness with what they saw.

“It’s probably right for them to do,” Lewerke said, accoridng to Graham Couch of the Lansing State Journal. “The offense was lacking.”

Michigan State finished the night with just 303 yards of total offense and only 108 yards on the ground. They converted just 6-of-19 third down attempts.

The Spartans were also self-destructive, having 14 penalties for 122 yards.

For Michigan State to be a contender in the B1G East, the offense is going to have to improve. It sounds like a broken record at this point, but it’s the bottom line. The defense has held up its end of the bargain, and the offense continues to come up short.

If that doesn’t get fixe soon, Friday night won’t be the only time MSU’s offense is booed off the field in East Lansing.