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Joe Bachie weighs in on stagnant MSU offense: ‘Plays could have been made’
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Michigan State has battled through an injury-riddled season offensively, but there’s still no denying the performances have been lacking for much of the year.
On the defensive side of the ball, Mark Dantonio’s squad has been on par with his usual standards. The team has allowed just 18.7 points per game while stifling two impressive offenses in consecutive weekends.
Last weekend, it was Ohio State who traveled to East Lansing and performed well below its regular numbers. The Buckeyes would win that game 26-6, but it was the MSU offense that was ineffective and consistently surrendered field position to Ohio State.
On Saturday, it was Nebraska and quarterback Adrian Martinez that got shut down. The defense allowed just three fourth-quarter field goals in a tough game in Lincoln. Unfortunately, that was once again enough to take down the Spartans in a 9-6 game.
After scoring 12 total points over the past two games, MSU defenders weighed in on the ongoing issues on the offensive side of the ball. According to Chris Solari with The Detroit Free Press, linebacker Joe Bachie admitted that the defense understands the offense is dealing with a number of injuries. However, Bachie still believes there are plays that could have been made on that side of the ball:
“All of them have tough injuries,” Bachie said. “It’s just the next man stepping up. There were times where plays could have been made. We saw it as a defense on the sideline. Offensive coaches saw it, everyone saw it. Just make the plays when it comes to you – you’ve done it your whole life. And that’s kind of gonna be the message.”
Defensive back Khari Willis also weighed in on the struggles. He said there are no personal frustrations directed at the offense, but the overall performance has indeed been frustrating as a defender:
“I don’t think it’s any personal frustration or any jawing back and forth. There’s nothing like that,” Willis said after MSU’s 9-6 loss at Nebraska on Saturday. “But it’s frustrating because we want to win these close games, especially when we feel like we’re playing well in certain areas.”
The Spartans are 6-5 now and should finish the season at 7-5 with Rutgers the remaining game on the schedule. However, the defense has been championship-caliber in a season that has produced some disappointing results.
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.