We might as well just accept Michigan State for what it is. The defense is pretty good, and the offense is not.

It’s been the theme since Week 1. Maybe the offensive line would make some improvements. Maybe Brian Lewerke would revert to his 2017 self. Maybe the rushing attack would show up.

None of that has happened yet, and it was apparent again this week as Michigan State took on a 1-3 Central Michigan team. The Spartans were favored by four touchdowns, but clung to a two-score win over their in-state “rival,” defeating the Chippewas 31-20.

The Spartans exited the first quarter trailing 3-0. It wasn’t until David Dowell came up with an interception early in the second quarter that Michigan State finally found the end zone. After setting the offense up in prime scoring position, the offense capped a four-play, 35-yard drive with a touchdown, a three-yard run from Lewerke.

Michigan State got another first half touchdown after starting with the ball in CMU territory to take a 14-3 lead. And after another interception, this time from Justin Layne, the Spartans ended the first half with a field goal to take a 17-3 advantage.

In the second half, things got a little bit easier. Michigan State scored 14 points in the third quarter to take a 31-3 lead and secure the win. Central Michigan scored 17 unanswered in the second half, giving the Spartans a scare, but there was so much more to be scared about after Saturday.

The rushing game struggled again. The Spartans weren’t able to get a push up front and were able to rack up just 160 yards. They’ve played in four games this year and haven’t had a single player eclipse the 100-yard mark this season.

Lewerke’s decision-making was questionable and the offense was unable to sustain long drives for most of the afternoon. Once again, the defense bailed out the Spartans.

The scary part?

That was Michigan State’s final tune-up game. The Spartans take on Northwestern, Penn State, Michigan, and Purdue in the next four weeks. They round out the season with Maryland, Ohio State, Nebraska and Rutgers. If the defense slips up, there are a lot of toss-up games Michigan State could lose.

Central Michigan provided Michigan State with a final chance to tinker with the offense. Maybe correct any wrongs and improve the offensive line up front. But not much has changed since Week 1.

How Michigan State’s season goes is solely on the shoulders of its defense.