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Michigan State

Harlon Barnett praises new starting QB Katin Houser, defense

On3-Social-Profile_GRAYby:On3 Staff Report•10/14/23
Katin Houser
(Image via Michigan State Athletics)

A sloppy start to the Michigan State versus Rutgers game was compounded by turnovers, but the Spartans got things under control late and were able to score on their final two drives before halftime to take a 17-6 lead as new starting quarterback Katin Houser settled in.

On a chilly, rainy day in Piscataway, N.J., simply taking care of the football might be the ticket to a win.

Michigan State fumbled it twice but then came away with back-to-back interceptions of Rutgers to even the turnover margin, pleasing interim coach Harlon Barnett. The defense, in particular, earned some praise.

“They’re doing a great job,” Barnett said in a sideline interview at halftime on the Big Ten Network. “I think we might be even now on turnovers, if I’m not mistaken, so that’s good. So we got back even, so now we’re going to try to win the actual turnover battle.”

Rutgers scored field goals on its opening two drives but failed to put up any points beyond that, missing a third field goal attempt, turning it over twice and then running out of time before the half arrived.

Michigan State boasted a narrow 180-153 edge in total yardage in the contest.

Meanwhile, new quarterback Katin Houser looked fairly competent in his starting debut, responsible in part for both touchdowns.

“He’s doing a great job,” Barnett said. “He’s under control. He’s taking what they’re giving us and we’re really excited how he’s playing so far.”

At halftime, Houser was 11-of-18 passing for 92 yards and a touchdown. He had also added six carries for 29 yards and a score.

While Michigan State had the total yardage edge, Rutgers was winning in the yards per play category at halftime, with 5.3 to Michigan State’s 4.1.

Rutgers will get the ball first out of the halftime break.

Barnett broke down what he’s looking for from his Spartans squad in the second half.

“I want to see us finish. We just have to finish,” he said. “We have to play with great effort on special teams, three-and-out, takeaways on defense and score on offense.”