Sheridan: Michigan State offense must execute better after Notre Dame loss
The short version
- Michigan State lost to Notre Dame 27-10, its first defeat of the season.
- The Spartans face Nebraska next in their Big Ten opener.
- OC Nick Sheridan said the offense failed in every area and must execute better.
- Sheridan praised Jordan Hall and noted Antonio Johnson's development along the line.
- Sheridan said coaches and players alike share responsibility for the improvement.
Offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan says players and coaches share responsibility as the Spartans prepare to open Big Ten play against Nebraska.
Michigan State fell from the ranks of the unbeaten on Saturday, losing 27-10 to Notre Dame. The Spartans now open their Big Ten schedule with a home matchup against Nebraska, and much of the focus this week is on an offense that struggled to sustain drives against the Fighting Irish.
Offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan met with reporters and placed the blame on everyone in the room, coaches included. He said the unit did not perform well in any phase, failed to string together enough drives to generate snaps, and needs to improve across the board to win games.
Sheridan emphasized that fundamentals decide outcomes and that the team's expectations go beyond avoiding penalties such as offsides calls and false starts. He also acknowledged the staff may have shown the defense too many varied looks, noting that creativity means little without proper execution and clarity for players.
On individual players, Sheridan praised linebacker Jordan Hall as an elite communicator who understands what the defensive staff asks of him, calling him a coach on the field. He also complimented young offensive lineman Antonio Johnson's development and expressed confidence in Kenneth Williams while stressing the need to move forward from mistakes.