Michigan State defense shredded on social media for continued passing game struggles
Stop us if you’ve heard this one before: Michigan State’s defense is struggling to slow down a passing attack.
After a historically bad pass defense in 2021, Michigan State’s first real test of the season comes in Week 3. Heading to the west coast to face Washington, the first half has been a disaster for the Spartans.
With the offense stalling out a few times in the first half – and a safety after getting a goal line stop – Michigan State’s defense was on the field throughout the first half. Michael Penix Jr. capitalized, completing 18 of 24 passes for 278 yards and 3 touchdowns without an interception.
Though The Huskie have not run the ball well, they haven’t needed to with the passing game firing on all cylinders. That passing attack has allowed Washington to convert 4-of-7 on 3rd-down and 2-of-3 on 4th down as the offense has not taken its foot off the gas pedal.
The issues of 2021 rearing their ugly head for the Spartans has also generated a reaction across social media:
Penix looking very explosive, having a big first half against a flaccid Michigan State defense
— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) September 18, 2022
Michigan State’s pass defense still might be the worst in the country. Holy hell.
— Eddie. (@YeahEJH1) September 18, 2022
Who could have foreseen Michigan State's defense being a problem?
— Tom Fornelli (@TomFornelli) September 18, 2022
Hey, look! Disney made a movie about Michigan State’s defense! pic.twitter.com/KmAfJPy8QQ
— Jason Roher (@JasonRoher) September 18, 2022
michigan state not having a pass defense is one of the few things i can rely on in this life
— carli (@carlisprofile) September 18, 2022
If I'm Washington, every drive is four-down territory because the Michigan State pass defense can't stop a thing.
— Satchmo and DB (@spartytalk) September 18, 2022
I don’t care what any stats say; Michigan State’s pass defense today is worse than their last-ranked pass defense last year
— Kelly (@k_dunbar9) September 18, 2022
Michigan State should build the entire defense out of the goal line defense.
— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) September 18, 2022
Penix is playing tic-tac-toe out there. Michigan State's pass defense is nonexistent right now.
— Adam Biggers (@AdamBiggers81) September 18, 2022
Live look at Michigan State’s defense pic.twitter.com/q79BTCxAur
— len nicodemo (@matt_guzzo) September 18, 2022