Michigan State's offense is ready to execute at a 'higher level' versus Michigan

The Michigan State football team enters rivalry week searching for answers — and a spark.

After a 3-0 start to the season, the Spartans have dropped four straight games and remain winless in Big Ten play. But this Saturday offers a chance for redemption: a home showdown against the Michigan Wolverines in the battle for the Paul Bunyan Trophy.

For offensive coordinator Brian Lindgren, the losing streak hasn’t erased the belief that progress is being made. Taking over an offense in transition, he knows success comes in stages.

“Winning is tough at this level,” he said earlier in the week. “Especially taking over a program and working to rebuild. You’re constantly with your guys, pointing out the good things and trying to build on those. It’s frustrating through this streak, but I know our guys are hungry.”

That hunger will be put to the test against Michigan, a team the Spartans have lost to three straight times. Saturday marks the second meeting between Jonathan Smith’s staff and the Wolverines, with last year’s 24-17 loss still fresh in their minds. Lindgren understands exactly what’s at stake. Growing up watching the rivalry, he said it truly hit him last year when he heard former players speak about what the game means.

“It’s a big game,” he said. “An awesome opportunity for me as a coach and the rest of the staff. It is an important game.”

For Michigan State to pull off the upset, running the football effectively will be essential — something the Spartans have struggled with this season. They rank near the bottom of the Big Ten in rushing offense, though last year’s game against Michigan offered some hope.

“Last year there were some good things running the ball,” Lindgren recalled. “We just have to execute at a higher level. Right now, it’s nine or ten guys doing it right, and one or two not executing at a high enough level...

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