Here’s a tip for Northwestern as it prepares to face host Michigan State at noon Saturday in its Big Ten opener: Jump on the Spartans early.
In their last three games, the Spartans (2-2) have played poorly in the first half. They trailed Rice 10-7 at halftime before rallying for a 27-10 win. Michigan State spotted California 25-0 intermission lead en route to a 46-22 loss.
And the Spartans fell behind Notre Dame 14-3 at halftime Saturday in East Lansing, Mich. They battled back to lead briefly in the fourth quarter but watched the Fighting Irish rally for a 21-17 victory.
MSU coach Bobby Williams said he has stressed the importance of a strong start, but his players don’t seem to be getting the message.
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“Every game this season we’ve had to come in at halftime and try to light a fire under them,” Williams said. “We’re a tentative team, for some reason. We have to get it figured out.”