Northwestern simply seems to have Michigan State’s number. Despite being a 10-point favorite on Saturday, the Spartans lost 29-19 to the Wildcats, the third straight time they’ve fallen to them.

Losing at home is never good, but this one will be hard to swallow. And rightly so. Here’s what I liked and didn’t like about Michigan State’s loss to Northwestern:

What I liked

Young  receivers forced to step up

Michigan State’s receiving corps is a mess, one that’s decimated by injuries. Starters Cody White and Jalen Nailor are out and Darrell Stewart is banged-up, too. Cam Chambers and Brandon Sowards stepped up in their absence with career days. Chambers had five catches and 82 yards and Sowards had three catches for 59 yards. Senior Felton Davis III led the way with seven catches for 96 yards.

Consistent kicker Coghlin sets school record

Sophomore kicker Matt Coghlin made two field goals in the first half, chip shots from 27 and 25 yards out. The last one broke the Michigan State record for consecutive field goals. He now has made 16 kicks in a row, breaking the pervious mark held by Brett Swenson.

What I didn’t like

Spartans’ pass defense falters again

Northwestern quarterback Clayton Thorson was 31 of 47 passing for 373 yards and three touchdowns in the Wildcats’ 29-19 victory, adding more ammunition that the Michigan State secondary is one of the worst in the country. Ranked 114th out of 129 FBS teams in pass defense, the Spartans have allowed 1,526 yards this season, an average of 305.2 yards per game. Huge passing games have led to both losses, and more losses will come if they don’t fix their problems in the secondary.

Struggles in the red zone were problematic

Michigan State’s offense gained 425 yards on Saturday, and the yards were easy to come by but points were not. The Spartans had three good drives in the first half, but they ended with two short field goals and an interception. After scoring two touchdowns in the third quarter, the last four drives ended with two punts and two failed fourth-down conversions. That’s as big a problem as the pass defense, and wins won’t happen until both problems get fixed.