The key:

Coach Pat Fitzgerald’s infuriating play calling.

Two punts inside Michigan State territory preceded two touchdown drives from the Spartans. On offense, Fitzgerald called for two field goals inside the red zone, instead of going for touchdowns against a stingy defense.

Why should we still care about this season? The coach has already thrown in the towel.

What Northwestern needs to win:

An identity change.

Michigan State is one of the best teams in the conference, but the Northwestern offense moved the ball well and the Spartans looked beatable. Still, the Wildcats didn’t dare to take chances.

Unless Fitzgerald decides to let loose in the second half, a seventh straight loss looks imminent.

— Rohan Nadkarni