First, we continue to be amongst the most penalized teams in college football. Did a search and we're listed at tied for third worst at 9.8 penalties a game. So far, these undisciplined plays have not cost us a game and due to the caliber of opponent, we've been able to overcome these errors.
Second, this was the first game that we came out flat and uninspired. We looked listless and lacked the fire that has propelled us to success (imposing our will). We lacked emotion, effort and discipline. There were many mental lapses, such as several dropped passes when it appeared the receiver/TE wanted to turn up field before securing the ball. We seemed to get pushed around that first series and perhaps we were out of position. I don't know what is was, but our heads were not in the game and that led to a lot mistakes. This cannot happen if we expect to be competitive against good teams. Michigan State was not a good team...in fact they are a very bad team (or a bad team with key injuries). This cannot continue, especially for a team that is very one dimensional...I can't imagine playing that uninspired against a quality team like tOSU who will likely shut our run game down. In that scenario, we cannot make those mistakes like we did today (in the first half).
That being said, we came out in the second half with a little more focus and determination. We looked like our 'usual' self there and that was...good. We are still a work in progress, but we cannot no let down for one quarter to be considered amongst the best teams in CFB. Rant over.