REACTION: Michigan State HC Jonathan Smith says coaching staff needs to step up

LINCOLN, Neb. - Michigan State head coach Jonathan Smith liked his team’s resolve for a second straight game, but this time was much less understanding of how and why the Spartans had to battle back in the first place, and why they squandered a 21-14 lead in losing at Nebraska, 38-27. “They (Nebraska) played better than us, especially in the fourth quarter,” Smith said. “They earned the win.  “We've got to find a way to play better for four quarters. I think about that first half, we're fortunate to be down only seven, going into halftime with a punt block for a touchdown. “We've turned the thing over. We gave up a 50-yard punt return.  “Starting with me, I've got to have this team ready to go faster than they did in the first half. I was pleased defensively getting around the quarterback really throughout the whole night. This (Nebraska) was the top passing offense maybe in the country, coming in. I thought we got a lot of that done. Credit to our guys.  “Start the third quarter, get a stop, get a score, turn over, take the lead. Some of those fourth down plays were impressive. We had to finish drives.  “So liked that part of taking the lead. They go right down and score, and then the game began to break. (We) got no answer offensively to match a score, let alone the kickoff return. And this ain't easy. The wind was blowing pretty good. But they tied the game up. The ball catches the wind. We don't field it. “Short field position again. Defensively, I thought bowed up, held them to a field goal. But we still just had no answer offensively.” (MORE inside SpartanMag. Join SpartanMag now - $1 for the first week - and enjoy a complimentary year of The Athletic included with your membership.)