Mel Tucker jokes flowing as Michigan State football gets flooded by Ohio State
Michigan State football and Mel Tucker, please report to Ohio Stadium.
Just days after the public learned of MSU and two wealthy alumni plan of paying Tucker almost $100 million to stay in East Lansing over the next decade, his team hardly showed up Saturday vs. OSU.
No. 4 Ohio State embarrassed No. 8 Michigan State, 56-7, in Columbus, Ohio. Freshman quarterback C.J. Stroud and his trio of NFL-ready wideouts tore MSU's struggling secondary apart, dashing hopes of Spartan inclusion in the Big Ten championship game and the College Football Playoff.
FROM SATURDAY'S GAME: Tucker can still earn big bucks if he matches OSU's 'D'
MSU GRADES: Defense, coaching failed in blowout loss at Ohio State
Stroud had more touchdowns (six) than incompletions (two) in the first half to go with 393 yards.
The Buckeyes had as many touchdowns (seven) as the Spartans had first downs.
MORE: Some of Michigan State's most famous fans pay tribute to outgoing trustee
BEFORE THE DEBACLE: Why MSU's Kenneth Walker III has chance to run from Heisman field
In some folks' minds, Michigan State had to extend Tucker, who was reportedly drawing interest from LSU, a school known for plucking at least one great football mind from East Lansing. But the historic deal was low-hanging fruit for Twitter comedians Saturday, as MSU managed just 116 yards, missed its lone field goal attempt and fumbled in Ohio State territory.
[ The Free Press has started a new digital subscription model. Here's how you can gain access to our most exclusive content. ]
Extending Tucker's contract still may well turn out to be the right call. But Saturday, the Spartans did very little right and social media told us all about it:
Free Press Sports with Carlos and Shawn reacted this week to the news of an incoming massive extension.
Even Super Bowl champion QB Patrick Mahomes chimed in on Ohio State's dominance:
6TDs 400yds 2 incompletions in the first half Lolol 😂
— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) November 20, 2021
Spartans going to be ranked 567th after this performance
— Ματθαιος שלום Dahlen (@MatthewDahlen) November 20, 2021
SHAWN WINDSOR: Tucker investment means MSU has entered deep end of pool with Alabama, OSU
MITCH ALBOM: Tucker's huge MSU payday plenty risky, but how much reward?
Taking the extra step to find that perfect punchline.
I haven’t seen the Spartans take a defeat like this since— [opens Wikipedia article on ancient Sparta] okay give me a second I’ll get there
— actioncookbook (@actioncookbook) November 20, 2021
Shoutout to Mel Tucker's agent for getting that extension done ahead of this game.
— Nick Shepkowski (@NickShepkowski) November 20, 2021
You're right, Sarah. I don't think anyone needs to see any more of this. We get it, the Buckeyes are the real deal.
Spartan 4 Life but dang, really? Might want to opt out of that second half. Is that an option? #GoGreen #GoWhite #wtf pic.twitter.com/8AyDaTs2d2
— Sara Quinn (@SoCalSparty_553) November 20, 2021
Mel Tucker defense pic.twitter.com/gm2ncuNz62
— TALENT EXPERT🏈🏀⚾️ (@wiseguyinsider) November 20, 2021
You just hate to see it.
86% of the money wagered on the Michigan State-Ohio State game at @FDSportsbook came in on the Spartans.
They are down 42-0 with 7 minutes to go in the second quarter.— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) November 20, 2021
Mel Tucker trying to stop this Ohio State offense pic.twitter.com/YP71xL0ISm
— Mekka Don (@MekkaDonMusic) November 20, 2021
I think this Michigan State team has three points in them over the final two quarters! Maybe?
Spartans gotta at least get 3. Give us some hope.
— dink (@TheDinkologist) November 20, 2021
If Mel Tucker is worth 10 million a year, wtf is Ryan Day worth?
— Good Job. Good Work. Good Goal Next 😂 ™️ (@F1RETHECANNON) November 20, 2021
Follow the Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for more news. Tyler Davis can be contacted at tjdavis@freepress.com or on Twitter @TDavisFreep.
Your subscription makes work like this possible. Get exclusive subscriber content and more here.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan State gets roasted on, off the field during Ohio State game