Michigan State is a solid defensive team (more to come on that later), but has had a horrendous offensive year. Injuries haven’t helped, but inconsistency and predictable play calling have haunted the Spartans — sound familiar? First let’s take a look at the stats.

Total offense

343 yards per game — No. 116 in the FBS

Scoring offense

19.8 points per game — No. 121 (tied) in the FBS

Passing offense

221 yards per game — No. 74 in the FBS

Rushing offense

122 yards per game — No. 115 in the FBS

Sacks allowed

1.92 allowed per game — No. 49 (tied) in the FBS

Turnovers lost

21 turnovers lost (13 interceptions, eight fumble) — No. 93 (tied) in the FBS

The offensive struggle starts at quarterback with Brian Lewerke and Rocky Lombardi. Lewerke dealt with shoulder injuries for the majority of the season, but when healthy, he still struggled with consistency and accuracy. For example, Lewerke completed 31 of 51 passes for 329 yards and one touchdown in a 29-19 loss to Northwestern. MSU head coach Mike Dantonio was displeased with his performance though.

“It’s not in the yards sometimes,” Dantonio said after the game. “It’s in the production and the points behind it … He’s got to play better obviously than he did.”

Lombardi filled in at quarterback for three games this season as Lewerke continued to battle injuries. Lombardi’s a dual threat quarterback, and isn’t a true passer. The success of the offense really rests on Lewerke’s shoulders. Yes, it’s always somewhat up to the quarterback on any team. But there’s no help from the running game to help balance the offense.

MSU’s offensive line hasn’t played to the level they’ve been known for in years past, and again, it’s been the injury bug which has created the inconsistency. The Spartans utilized nine different combinations along the offensive line in 12 games. Star running back LJ Scott — who ran for 76 yards and two touchdowns in a 31-28 win over the Ducks back in 2015 — injured his ankle in their second game of the season versus ASU. Eventually, Scott decided to take off the rest of year so he could redshirt and return as a fifth year season, but then declared for the NFL draft later in the season. Though, Scott will still be playing in the Redbox Bowl versus Oregon.

Michigan State’s receivers also took a hit due to injuries. Early in the season, receivers Cam Chambers, Darrell Stewart, Jalen Nailor and Cody White all suffered injuries which caused multiple games missed. Then in October, star receiver Felton Davis suffered a season ending torn Achilles.

Whether it was injuries or poor execution, the Spartans failed to find any consistency this season — and it was something MSU dealt with at the start of the season.

“Consistency is definitely a problem,” offensive lineman Tyler Higby said in late September. “But we’re not frustrated. We know what we’re capable of. But we know that every day, it’s always technique with us. Most of the time, we’re assignment-sound.”

When Oregon and Michigan State take the field on Dec. 31, there will be a similar frustration of unmet offensive expectations. Inconsistency, hurt by injuries and a lack of execution, figures to go unsolved in just a few short weeks of bowl game preparation. Oregon’s defense, as long as they stay disciplined, has a good chance of shutting down MSU’s offense as so many have this season.