Box Score | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Northwestern | 0 | 7 | 14 | 0 | 21 |
Michigan State | 10 | 3 | 0 | 15 | 28 |
Spartans "FInd A Way" Against Wildcats
There's no way to sugar coat the fact that the Spartans played horrendous football, but a 15 point fourth quarter helped them comeback against the Northwestern Wildcats to win 28-21.
The Spartans were able to run for 103 yards... on 48 carries.
That line pretty much sums up how painful this game was to watch, but Dr. P refused to change the gameplan that put his team at 3-0, and now 4-0.
Star HB Javon Ringer was met at the line every time he took a carry, and finished the game with 67 yards on 36 carries.
"Extremely frustrating is the simple way to put it. I have no idea how they were able to break every run block and make eery single tackle. If Javon did break a tackle he'd wind up falling 5 yards backwards and get hit by three guys for a loss," explained Dr. P.
QB Brad Hoyer was able to go 10 of 15 for 143 yards, with two touchdowns and a pick.
The Spartans took an early 13-0 lead before the Wildcats scored on three passing possessions in a row, including an 84 yard screen pass that turned into open field.
The Spartans trailed 21-13 in the 3rd, but a 1 yard touchdown run by Ringer and a two point conversion tied it up. On the very next play FS Otis Wiley intercepted QB C.J. Bacher, setting up a 12 yard touchdown pass to WR T.J. Williams with 1:27 left, giving the Spartans the win.
Defensively, the Spartans forced five turnovers, three of which were fumbles. RE Brandon Long had 9 tackles and three sacks in the win.
Players of the Game
Game Statistics | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Northwestern | Michigan State |
First Downs | 11 | 14 |
Total Offense | 264 | 246 |
Rushes-YDS | 20-25 | 48-103 |
Passing YDS | 239 | 143 |
Turnovers | 5 | 2 |
Total Yards | 428 | 367 |
T.O.P. | 10:45 | 17:19 |