Recap: Mistakes, sloppy play doom Spartans in 31-9 loss to Maryland

In some ways, this game was a step forward from the embarrassing performance Michigan State put up last week against Washington. In other ways, it felt like two steps back and a look ahead to the rocky road this team has to deal with for the remainder of the season.

Few teams win games committing multiple turnovers, and the five that the Spartans had was the reason for their 31-9 loss to Maryland on Saturday afternoon, which was the Terrapins first road win against Michigan State since 1950.

Although Michigan State barely outgained Maryland in total yards, 376-362, the average person who didn't watch the game wouldn't know it by looking at the game and the stats put up by each quarterback. Noah Kim bounced back a bit from last week's performance, ending 18-for-33 for 190 yards and a touchdown, but that was erased by the two interceptions he threw among the other possible ones that were dropped by Maryland defenders.

It wasn't all on Kim, as multiple passes that could have turned the tide were dropped by Michigan State receivers. Katin Houser entered the game in the fourth and seemed to have a rhythm for the offense that was quickly disrupted by an interception on a screen pass, a crucial turnover when the Spartans were close to the end zone. Nathan Carter had a solid performance with 97 rushing yards on 15 carries, but it was his fumble in the second quarter that led to Maryland opening up a 21-0 lead.

After giving up a program-record 713 yards last week, the defense held Maryland to under 400 yards and starting quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa to just 223 passing yards. Michigan State could have held him to under 200 yards if not for a fourth-quarter 31-yard screen pass that sealed the victory for Maryland.

That screen pass was one of three passing touchdowns by Tagovailoa, along with a 1-yard rushing touchdown that made him responsible for 28 of Maryland's 31 points. But it's hard for a defense to overcome an offensive performance like this, as the Spartans have been outscored 72-16 in the past two contests. And it won't get easier for Michigan State, with its first road game of the season against No. 24 Iowa next Saturday.

Turnovers, sloppy mistakes cost Spartans in 31-9 loss to Maryland

Well, THAT was quick. Alante Brown decides to run the kickoff out of the end zone and fumbles the ball, the fifth turnover of the game for the Spartans. Maryland takes over at the MSU 21, but the Terrapins somehow leave the drive scoreless with Howes missing a 29-yard field goal wide left again. Freshman quarterback Sam Leavitt takes the field for the Spartans final snaps in another error-filled performance. (End of game)

Penalty leads to another Maryland TD

Tagovailoa and the Terrapins offense comes back out. Antwain Littleton II runs for 3 yards, then Prather takes a reception for 5 yards. On third-and-2, Tagovailoa scrambles and is tackled out of bounds by Tatum, then Malik Spencer makes an unnecessary helmet-to-helmet late hit at Tagovailoa that is somehow not called for targeting.

There is still a penalty for a personal foul and the Terrapins move to the MSU 40 yard line, with this drive using up all three of Michigan State's timeouts. Tagovailoa takes it himself on third-and-4, but slides a yard short of the first down marker. Maryland calls their second timeout with 3:25 left in the game. A fourth-and-1 screen pass goes 31 yards for Tagovailoa's third touchdown pass of the game. (3:18)

Houser replaces Kim, Spartans commit another turnover

Tyrell Henry has one of his best returns of the season, but a holding penalty sends the Spartans back to their own 10-yard line. Apparently the cramping must be bad for Kim, or Barnett wants a different look at quarterback, because here comes Katin Houser. The Spartans try to trick Maryland on a flea-flicker, but Houser's pass is short. He makes up for it by finding Carr, who fights for the first down.

The quick pass to Carter is completed for no gain, then the Maryland pressure swallows up Houser for a 10-yard loss. Third-and-20 leads to a completion to Henry for 18 yards, and down 15 the Spartans hand it off to Carter who rolls forward for the first down. Carter can't make it back-to-back good plays as he drops the screen pass with a wide-open lane, then Houser can't connect with Christian Fitzpatrick. But, he can connect with Antonio Gates Jr. (yep, that Antonio Gates) for 28 yards and first-and-10 at the Terrapins 40.

Houser's finding his rhythm and finds Carr for 11 yards, then they dial up a screen for Carr to gain 7 yards as a timeout is called for a injured Maryland player. After the timeout, Houser goes for Gates in the end zone, and Gates draws a defensive pass interference call.

With first-and-goal at the Terrapins' 8, Houser goes for another screen and it is intercepted by Tarheeb Still, who runs all across the field before falling in Spartan territory, but Still is called out of bounds at the Maryland 19. (5:48)

Punt mistake leads to Maryland field goal

Kim's limping is just him cramping up, as Maryland goes for the end zone on first down but Jeshaun Jones can't hold onto the ball. Third-and-7 for the Terrapins is a handoff the McDonald, who slips and loses a yard to create a tough 48-yard field goal attempt that is still good by Jack Howes. (11:00)

Kim's first down pass is... questionable at best, as Trader Jr. misses his second would-be interception of the game. Mosley is back in the game and takes a bubble screen pass for 6 yards, then Maryland sends pressure to Kim as he is taken down and fumbles the ball before the Spartans recover it, with Kim limping off after the tackle. The fourth-and-20 punt bounces out of bounds into Spartan territory, with Maryland in great position to extend their lead. (12:33)

(Start of 4th Quarter) Terrapins continue their drive in the Spartans' 41-yard line with Hemby gaining a single yard on a run, then the Spartans dial-up pressure again and force an incompletion. With Spartan Stadium being the loudest it's been all day, third-and-9 results in a broken up pass caused by Dillon Tatum. The Maryland punt is almost downed within the Spartans' 5-yard line, but the ball just rolls into the end zone. (13:57)

Maryland starts their drive with a few runs, then Tagovailoa finds a receiver open to bring them into Spartan territory in the last play of the third quarter. (End of 3rd Quarter)

Kim runs for 6 yards on first down, then the Terrapins sniff out the screen pass on second down. Kim has a wide-open Foster down the field for a would-be touchdown, but Kim overthrows him and the Spartans have to punt the ball back to Maryland. (1:37)

That was also quick. A three-and-out from Maryland as the Spartans defense showed relentless pressure against Tagovailoa to force a punt, this time without a fake. Spartans take over at their own 18-yard line. (2:30)

Kim connects with Henry for first Michigan State TD

The Spartans are moving down the field again. After some carries from Carter, Kim finds Glover down the middle for a big completion to put the Spartans at the Terrapins' 36-yard line. On first-and-10, Kim scrambles and almost throws an interception to Dante Trader Jr., then completes a pass to Mosley, but Mosley is down and a timeout is called. He's able to walk off the field, then Carter is able to find a hole on third-and-3 to bring the Spartans into the Maryland 9-yard line for first-and-goal. Kim finds Henry wide open in the end zone as the Spartans finally take advantage of a Maryland mistake. In more aggressive playcalling, Barnett goes for the 2-point conversion but the pass is broken up as the Spartans are down 12. (3:44)

Maryland gains a quick 9 yards on the ground, then gains a few yards on third-and-one to more the Terrapins to the MSU 30. Tight end Preston Howard hurdles forward for 9 yards, then Tagovailoa finds Felton on a quick slant to create first-and-goal. But yet again, the Spartan defense holds up as Tagovailoa scrambles and throws it right to Angelo Grose for the interception. Michigan State's first turnover will have them starting over at their own 20-yard line. (7:30)

Well, that was quick. After a big run from Carter to move the chains on first down, Kim throws a floater to Maryland's Glendon Miller for an interception, the third turnover of the game. (11:25)

(Start of 3rd Quarter) Maryland starts the second half with the ball on their own 25-yard line. The Spartans defense forces a punt after just three plays, but Maryland fakes the punt and is able to get the first down. Another penalty is called on Adeleye on offsides, but it doesn't matter as Tagovailoa finds a receiver deep to get into Spartan territory. The defense clamps up and forces three straight incompletions, including a dropped interception that hits the chest of a Spartan defensive back. On another big break for MSU, the 39-yard field goal is missed wide left as Michigan State's offense takes over. (12:19)

Spartans suffer dropped passes, blocked field goal to stay down 21-3 entering halftime

Kim makes two straight completions to move the chains as time is running out for the Spartans to get one more score before the end of the half. Kim completes a low pass to Foster, then finds Glover down the sideline as Michigan State is now at the Maryland 36. Kim scrambles out of trouble on first down, but a holding penalty is called to move the offense 10 yards back. On third-and-18, Kim almost finds Franklin again but the tight end can't hold onto the ball. The offense goes for it again on fourth down and can't convert, but Maryland is called for a facemask for the Spartans' first big break of the game. With just nine seconds left at Maryland's 29-yard line, Kim goes to Foster in the end zone and the ball goes right through the receiver's hand, as MSU has to settle for a field goal attempt that's blocked as the Spartans enter halftime with a 21-3 deficit. (End of 2nd Quarter)

Maryland takes the kickoff to their own 25-yard line. The Terrapins lose 2 yards on first down, then Tagovailoa finds a receiver to get 4 yards back. Third-and-8 turns to third-and-13 thanks to a false start as Tagovailoa has to scramble and is tackled out of bounds, but the Maryland quarterback is slow to get up as a timeout is taken. Tagovailoa was taken to the tent for further evaluation as the first punt of the game is taken, with MSU taking over at their own 26. (1:35)

MSU offense shows life, puts up three points

After three scoreless drives and two turnovers, Michigan State's offense needs a jolt, and they get one as Kim finds Foster for 12 yards. After a few plays, MSU finds themselves at Maryland's 37 on first down as Carter gains 9 yards, then gains another 8 yards for the first down. Kim misses Jaylan Franklin down the middle on first-and-10, then can only gain a yard on a second down screen pass. Kim rolls right and finds Glover but the ball hits the ground, so MSU settles for a 37-yard field goal. (3:39)

Carter fumbles, Maryland scores for 21-0 lead

Maryland's first play is a screen than is blown up by MSU's defense, but Smith Jr. takes an end-around for a 5-yard gain and then gets open on a zig route to create first-and-goal at the MSU 5. It takes just two plays for Maryland to find the end zone with Tagovailoa being pushed on the QB sneak for the touchdown on a play where MSU was flagged for two penalties. (8:39)

Michigan State begins their third drive of the day from their own 25-yard line. Carter gains 6 yards on first down, then disaster strikes as Carter fumbles on the very next play and Maryland gains possession for a perfect chance to extend their lead. (10:27)

Maryland goes 94 yards, Spartans down 14-0

(Start of 2nd Quarter) Tagovailoa finds Octavian Smith Jr. near the sideline for a 4-yard completion, then Tunmise Adeleye is called for roughing the passer on Tagovailoa for 15 more yards. Maryland's offense keeps going as Tagovailoa finds Kaden Prather on an out-route to move the chains, then Tagovailoa takes it himself for 9 yards before connecting with Rico Walker for another first down. Colby McDonald's first run of the day goes for 9 yards, then he ups that with a 25-yard burst to take the Terrapins into the red zone. Unfortunately, some running backs can't catch as Hemby drops an easy pass to create third-and-6, but Tagovailova still finds Tyrese Chambers on another out-route for his second touchdown pass of the day. (11:28)

MSU offense falls short on fourth-and-goal, Maryland still up 7-0

Michigan State's offense starts out at their own 17-yard line. Kim uses his legs on first down to gain 9 yards, then Carter gains 4 yards for a first down. The Spartans pass on first down again, leaving Kim open for a sack from Caleb Wheatland for a big 10-yard loss. On third-and-20, Kim finds Foster on a pass intended for Jaron Glover for 18-yards, then Barnett calls Carter's number for a 4 yard run to keep the drive alive. Kim and Maliq Carr connect for a 17-yard reception as MSU's offense has found a groove. Carter gains 23 yards on three straight runs, then Kim finds Foster on the WR screen for first-and-goal at Maryland's 6-yard line. Carter gains 2 yards, but MSU is called for offensive holding. Kim finds Carr again on a TE screen for 8 yards, then Jordon Simmons gains just three yards on second-and-goal. Kim scrambles and is just one yard short of the goal line, and the Spartans are unable to convert on fourth-and-goal as Carter is stopped on the edge by Fa'Najae Gotay. Roman Hemby gains 4 yards on the ground for the last play of the quarter. (End of 1st Quarter)

Tagovailoa strikes first, Maryland takes early lead

Maryland is going down the field quick, really exposing MSU's banged up defense. After getting to MSU's 20-yard line, Taulia Tagovailoa went for the endzone on first-and-10, but the pass was broken up. Still, the Terrapins offense was able to convert on third-and-8 as Tagovailoa finds Tai Fenton down the middle for a first-and-goal. However, the play is under review to see if Fenton's knee touched the ground before he rolled into the endzone. After review, the ruling on the field stands, but Maryland still has first-and-goal with just one yard to go. The offense calls a perfect play-action that fools MSU's defense, leaving linebacker (yes, linebacker) Sean Greeley open for the touchdown reception. Maryland takes an early 7-0 lead. (7:52)

Kim gets careless, throws interception on first drive

(Start of 1st Quarter) The Michigan State offense starts with a 6-yard carry from Nathan Carter, then hands him the ball again for another 3 yards before a QB sneak, with some pushing forward, for a first down. After two plays and losing a yard, Kim scrambles right and finds Montorie Foster Jr. for a first down. Kim and the offense wanted to go quick, but Kim makes a bad read and throws an interception right to Beau Brade. Maryland takes over on their own 43-yard line. (12:16)

Kickoff

Maryland won the coin toss and chose to defer. They will kickoff to Michigan State, as Tyrell Henry calls for a fair catch near the Spartans' 15-yard line. MSU will start at their own 25.

Preview

Michigan State looks to end its season-opening four-game homestand with a victory in its Big Ten opener against Maryland on Saturday.

Between last week's announcement of Mel Tucker's suspension and the university letting Tucker know this week that it intends to fire him amid a sexual harassment investigation, the Spartans suffered a 41-7 blowout loss to No. 8 Washington, their first game under interim head coach Harlon Barnett.

After giving up 473 passing yards to Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. last weekend, the Spartans will need to find a way to stop Maryland quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa from burning them as well. Tagovailoa had 342 passing yards in last week's victory against Virginia.

Michigan State's offense will also need a jolt after last week's performance where it gained just 261 total yards. Noah Kim had his worst start so far as the Spartans' starting quarterback, going 12-for-31 passing for 136 yards and an interception.

Follow along here for live updates from Detroit News contributor Kameron Goodwill.

Maryland at Michigan State

▶ Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Spartan Stadium, East Lansing

▶ TV/radio: NBC/760 AM

▶ Line: Maryland by 6½

▶ Records: Maryland 3-0 (0-0 Big Ten); Michigan State 2-1 (0-0)

▶ Series: Michigan State leads 10-3 (Last game: Oct. 1, 2022 — (at) Maryland 27, Michigan State 13)