Overheard outside Michigan State’s locker room: Numb and looking in the mirror

DETROIT – Michigan State’s 2023 season is officially over.

The Spartans (4-8, 2-7 Big Ten) closed a tumultuous year with a 42-0 loss to No. 11 Penn State (10-2, 7-2) on Friday night at Ford Field in Detroit.

Here are notable quotes from Michigan State interim coach Harlon Barnett and players following the game:

“I was hoping to compete and finish better than we did but it is what it is. I still love these guys and will always love them. It’s a gritty bunch, a resilient bunch.”

- Barnett on the game and the team, which stuck together amid adversity this fall.

“I try not to be worried and have anxiety about that because I know who I serve and I know who’s in charge of everything.”

- Running back Nathan Carter relying on his faith amid uncertainty about who will be Michigan State’s head coach next season.

“Well, I’ll be looking in the mirror.”

- Barnett on what he would tell Michigan State’s next head coach about the university. He continues to pitch himself as the ideal candidate for the job but the Spartans have reportedly targeted Oregon State’s Jonathan Smith as the next coach.

“Right now, I’m just kind of numb to it. I really wanted to win today and it didn’t really go our way.”

- Linebacker Aaron Brule on playing his final college game.

“It’s going to be day-by-day right now because it’s that time of the year. We’re still trying to figure out who the coach is going to be – Harlon Barnett – but we’re still trying to figure that out but once that gets figured out, it goes from there.”

- Barnett on the next steps for the program.

“I feel like spirits are high, I really do. Coach Barnett did a great job of keeping us unified since all this stuff happened.”

- Carter on the team’s mindset.

“They were still coming after us late in the game and I personally have no problem with that. They’re playing football trying to get better.”

- Barnett on Penn State’s defense as Michigan State finished with only 53 yards of total offense – the fewest in program history.

“I love this place, I love the school and I’m ready to fight with whoever they bring in. I’m ready to fight with whatever player, whatever coach they bring in.”

- Carter on his future with the Spartans.

“That’s terrible but we’re going to get it changed.”

- Barnett on his 2-8 record as interim head coach.

“I don’t regret anything. I don’t regret ever coming here, I don’t regret meeting people I’ve met. I’ve met some of the best people that you could ever meet and I’m sure those relationships will maintain.”

- Brule on his two seasons at Michigan State after transferring from Mississippi State.