Pre Game

Michigan State needs last minute heroics to put away Western Michigan

Michigan State scored their first 20 points in the first quarter and by half time they had put up another seven.  The Spartans had the look of a team that would blow open the flood gates at any point leaving Western Michigan in the dust.

Western Michigan was the first on offense. A 70 yard kick return by Darius Phillips to open the game put the Bronco’s into field goal range right away.  After stalling on first and second down, Quarterback Zach Terrell completed a seven yard pass to Michael Henry.  It setup a 41 yard field goal attempt for kicker Andrew Halderman, which he missed. 

              Michigan state would take control but be forced to punt after moving only 20 yards against the quick Bronco defense.  Terrell was intercepted three plays later by Montae Nicholson who returned it to the Western Michigan 27 yard line.  Running Back Madre London would score his first of two touchdowns by running 24 yards to the end zone. 

              Western Michigan then tied the game at seven on the ensuing kickoff when Phillips ran 100 yards to the end zone.  Michigan State would score again on a seven yard run from London and go for the two point conversion.  Western Michigan promptly stopped them. 

              After yet another punt from Western Michigan, Spartan Quarterback Connor Cook used his arm to drive 73 yards in six plays.  He finished off the drive with a 9 yard touchdown pass to Josiah Price.  On MSU’s following drive, Cook was sacked and fumbled the ball.  A holding penalty against Western Michigan’s Zamort Ronald gave Michigan State the ball back.  Shelton would fumble it on the next play however.  The ball was recovered by Rontavious Atkins for Western Michigan and this time it stuck.

              Western Michigan was forced to punt and on the following play Cook found Price again this time for 25 yards.  Cook made great use of his arm again taking the Spartans 80 yards and handing the ball off to Gerald Holmes for their fourth touchdown.  Western Michigan would finish the half with a 22 yard field goal from Halderman.

              Both teams would open the second half with a touchdown.  The Spartans were forced to punt on their second possession of the third quarter.  Western Michigan took advantage and put up a second touchdown.  The Spartans responded with only a field goal.

              The teams then traded punts before Western Michigan had the ball inside the Michigan State 10 yard line.  On first and goal, Terrell was intercepted by Vayante Copeland who took a knee in the end zone ending Western Michigan’s chance at a come back victory. 

              Cook finished 15 of 31 for 256 yards and 2 touchdowns.  Madre London ran for 59 yards and 2 touchdowns.  Gerald Holmes also ran for a touchdown and 54 yards.  Aaron Burbridge led the Spartan receivers with 4 catches for 117 yards.  DeAnthony Arnett and Josiah Price caught one touchdown a piece. 

              Michigan State looks to improve when they host #7 Oregon on September 12th at 8pm.  Oregon’s offense doesn’t seem to be missing a beat despite Marcus Mariotta’s departure to the NFL.  They’re coming off a 61-42 win against Eastern Washington.  The biggest question will be which defense can improve the most before next week’s game as both struggled against non-conference opponents.