EAST LANSING ~ A pattern of unfinished drives and serious injuries followed the Spartans to Pasadena Saturday, where they marked their sixth consecutive loss. They lost momentum after a first quarter lead for a final 10-28 against Big Ten leader UCLA.
Quarterback Alessio Milivojevic and running back Jaziun Patterson were injured and out for the game, forcing third-string freshman quarterback Kayd Coffman and sophomore running back Marvis Parrish to step in as starters. Coffman made a strong first impression by connecting with Kenneth Williams for the first points of the game, but his inexperience showed as the game progressed. Coffman was hesitant to make decisions and missed open passes, holding the Spartans to a single touchdown.
Spartan injuries did not stop after the whistle. Parrish has spent more total time on the field than the rookie quarterback this season, but his performance against UCLA was cut short when he suffered an apparent ankle injury just minutes after kickoff. Shortcomings on offense meant MSU had to put together an impenetrable defense to stay competitive, but when star defensive playmaker Ben Roberts went down in the first UCLA offensive drive, the Spartans struggled to contain an elite rushing offense.
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(CONTINUED) Still, safeties Devin Vaught and Nikai Martinez kept the line together with tackles, forced fumbles, and recoveries, making theirs the most impactful Spartan performances of the game. While MSU struggled to keep up offensively, younger players and backups gained valuable experience against a top Big Ten team.
