2007 Week 11

The Michigan State Spartans (7-3) took on the Purdue Boilermakers (5-5), and in what is becoming a trend, the Spartans dominated the second half to pull off a last minute win.

Coming into the game the Spartans had outscored opponents by 47 points past halftime, and today was no different. Purdue built up a 20-3 lead midway through the third quarter, when QB Brian Hoyer and the Spartans woke up, scoring 21 unanswered points to complete a 24-20 comeback.

"At halftime I challenged the team. We were playing horrendous, especially on offense. Hoyer had two more picks and I could tell his confidence was shot. I told them we were 7-3 for a reason, and to go out there and prove it," Dr. P stated.

Prove it they did. Hoyer orchestrated three drives that ended with a passing touchdown, including the game winning 68 yard touchdown pass to WR Terry Love, Love's second of the game with just 1:27 left. Love also had a 28 yard touchdown catch in the third to start the 21 point rally.

"I look back on this game and still can't figure out how we won. We've been doing this all year. Purdue didn't punt the ball all game, yet here we are holding them to 20 points and winning the game. I don't think you'll find teams who don't punt on the losing side of the scoreboard."

The Boilermakers didn't punt because they wound up going for it four times on 4th down, only completing once. They also attempted two 50+ yard field goals, both of which were no good.

Hoyer finished the game with 264 yards passing and three touchdowns. His second touchdown of the game to FB Jeff McPherson gave him 22, breaking the MSU record for most touchdowns in a season.

Love finished the game with 5 catches for 152 yards and two touchdowns, breaking the season's best total of 115 yards by TE Kellen Davis.

The Spartans are now 8-3, and get set to end the year at home against rivals Penn State.