Harlon Barnett reveals what he has learned about Michigan State since Maryland loss

Michigan State acting head coach Harlon Barnett has not been dealt an easy hand since taking over the program following the suspension of Mel Tucker. His Spartans teams had to face two of the more underrated programs in the country in Washington and Maryland.

Neither game was particularly close. The Huskies walloped Michigan State in East Lansing, Mich. The Terrapins won 31-9 in a game that wasn’t a blowout but also one where Maryland had control throughout.

But as Barnett explained in his Monday press conference, he feels the game versus the Terrapins helped him and his team learn things about themselves.

“We talked about the missed opportunities,” Barnett said. “We had some missed opportunities to make plays offense, defense and special teams. Then the last thing and then positively, we said things we can build on. Things that we did well and we can build on and that’s what we watched today.”

The Spartans had four turnovers in the game with Noah Kim throwing two interceptions and the team also losing two fumbles. The team also had six penalties for 70 yards.

One interesting thing of note was that they were 4 of 5 on fourth down.

“We’re close,” Barnett said. “We’re very, very close. I told them after the practice today, I really liked this team. They just keep moving forward. They were energized the day of practice. Guys not talking about other things outside of football. Just locked on what we have to do football wise.”

The Spartans will play at Iowa this week before taking their bye week in Week 6. The Hawkeyes are 3-1 to start the season but are coming off a pure, old-fashioned beat down at hands of Penn State in State College, Pa.

Iowa managed only 76 yards of offense in about 15 minutes on offense during the game. The Hawkeyes were 1-for-9 on third down and picked up only four first downs the entire game.

That doesn’t mean Michigan State is walking into a win this week. Iowa has plenty of talent on both sides of the ball and Kinnick Stadium is a tough place to play.

“We have a big challenge this weekend against Iowa,” Barnett said. “First road game of the year, so we’re excited about going on the road in a challenging environment and playing our best football. Every week we are looking to play our best football, so here is an opportunity to do just that.”