EAST LANSING – The positive vibes Michigan State generated with a double-overtime win against Boston College evaporated a week later.

The Spartans (3-0) slogged to a 41-24 win against FCS program Youngstown State (2-1) on Saturday and injuries to key players linger heading into Big Ten play.

Here are quick observations and takeaways from the game:

– Put the game away early, get out of it healthy. Those were the top two priorities for Michigan State, which accomplished neither in a deflating win. This one seemed off from the jump with clock operator errors that began before kickoff and lingered throughout. It was a sign of what felt like a long day at Spartan Stadium despite Jonathan Smith being the first coach in program history to start 3-0 in his first two seasons.

It was far from

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