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Michigan State Football: 3 takeaways from upset loss to Purdue

By Danny McCormick

Nov 6, 2021; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Payton Thorne (10) passes the ball in the second half against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2021; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Payton Thorne (10) passes the ball in the second half against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Michigan State football knew coming in that this game against Purdue would not be easy at all. Purdue proved just a few weeks ago that this isn’t the same Boilermakers team as in years past going into Iowa and knocking off undefeated Iowa at the time.

Michigan State had its biggest win in years last week over in state rival Michigan at home. A lot of people around the college football world thought that the Spartans might be a little hungover still from last week and could be upset by the Boilermakers on the road this week. Those people were right all along as the Purdue Boilermakers were able to knock off Michigan State 40-29. This was the second top ten win for the Boilermakers on the season so far in 2021.

Michigan State just had no answer for the Purdue offense all game long. Purdue quarterback Aidan O’Connell had a game of his life completing 40 passes for 536 yards in the air, and adding three touchdowns to his season total.

O’Connell was not the only Boilermaker who hurt the Spartans overall either. Wide receiver David Bell for Purdue once again proved why he is one of the best wide receivers in all of college football. Bell had 11 catches for 217 yards and a touchdown reception. This was Bell’s second game over 200 yards receiving and the fifth game in 2021 with at least reaching 100 receiving yards.

The Spartans offense did not play terribly but the fumble on the opening drive by Heisman contender Kenneth Walker III which helped set up a Purdue score did not help. Spartans quarterback Payton Thorne finished the day completing 20 passes for 276 yards with two touchdown passes, and one interception.

The Purdue defense just played better overall. They were able to win the turnover battle over the Spartans which is always a huge sign on who ends up winning the ballgame. The Michigan State defense struggled to get off the field and it showed in the stats and on the scoreboard in the end.

Here are three takeaways for Michigan State in their crucial loss to Purdue.

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