Michigan State's Jonathan Smith discusses 2-point conversion decision, and other issues

EAST LANSING, Mich. - Following Michigan State’s 31-20 loss to Michigan on Saturday night at Spartan Stadium, Spartan head coach Jonathan Smith explained his thinking on some key coaching decisions that took place during the game, and the officiating call that went against the Spartans. On the off-side call against Michigan State cornerback Malcolm Bell, which negated Bell’s sack, a Michigan fumble and a change of possession which proved to be a turning point in the game, early in the third quarter: “I was told he was off-sides,” Smith said, “and I’ve seen that call go either way. I’ll put it that way.”  That’s as close as Smith would come to criticizing the call. Michigan led 10-7 on the opening drive of the second half when the crucial penalty call went against Michigan State.  When asked about the pivotal nature of that call, Smith said: “Yeah, absolutely, I mean, I think you get the turnover, the whole thing, that's a gut punch." (MORE inside SpartanMag. Join SpartanMag now - $1 for the first week - and enjoy a complimentary year of The Athletic included with your membership.)