2008 Week 9

In a completely shocking turn of events, the #23 Michigan State Spartans walked into "The Big House" to face the #7 ranked Michigan Wolverines, and walked out with one of the biggest wins in school history, in a 24-12 victory.

"I've been stressing it to these guys all year. Play the game we've learned how to play, don't make mistakes, and let the other teams beat themselves. If you hold your composure for 28 minutes you'll be a winner," said a smiling Dr. P.

The Spartans stuck to their gameplan, pounding the ball and trying to force mistakes on defense, and in the end everything worked out just fine. Three first quarter interceptions (one off of a WR pass) by CB Kendell Davis-Clark started things off for the Spartans, and a 2 yard touchdown run by Javon Ringer gave Michigan State a 7-0 lead after one.

In the second, the Spartans continued to shock the Wolverines when HB A.J. Jimmerson ran it in on the goaline to put them up 14-0 over the Wolverines.

Refusing to go down quietly, QB Ryan Mallet settled down and found WR Laterryal Savoy for a 26 yard strike, making it 14-6. It would stay that way as the extra point was blocked by the Spartans.

In the third, the Mallet to Savoy combo struck again, this time from 14 yards out to make it 14-12. The Wolverines tried for two on a run to HB Kevin Grady, and the Spartans stuffed him at the one yard line to preserve a two point lead.

From there on, the plan of attack from both teams completely differed, and the more patience squad would wind up pulling away. The Spartans would run 9 out of 10 plays every drive, as HB Javon Ringer would bruise through the Wolverines defense for 3-6 yards every carry, slowly moving the chains.

The Spartans would continue to run on their next drive, and had many first down runs from HB Javon Ringer, including a huge 3rd and 10 conversion right up the gut of the defense. Dr. P would pull the carpet out from underneath the housewarmers on the next play, as Hoyer ended up throwing a 24 yard touchdown pass to WR Carl Grimes on 1st down, something Michigan wasn't expecting. And just like that, it was 21-12 Spartans.

While the Spartans ran, the Wolverines passed and passed, and kept completions going but failed to put together scoring drives. Mallet would end up with 318 yards passing on 25 of 41 with two touchdowns and three picks.

Ringer would end up carrying the team down the field for one last field goal, and completing the 24-12 upset. He finished with 117 yards and a score on 34 carries. His runs were a lot more impressive than the 3.4 average indicated, as he had to fight for every yard.

The Wolverines managed zero sacks and zero interceptions off of QB Brian Hoyer, a completely different case after last year's seven interception meltdown. Hoyer was much more poised today, and let his star halfback carry the team.

The Spartans are now 6-1 and 3-1 in Big Ten play as they get set to host the Illinois Fighting Illini.

#21 Penn State 38, Illinois 14
Ohio State 38, Iowa 7
Indiana 37, Minnesota 14
Eastern Michigan 35, Northwestern 28
#2 Wisconsin 30, Purdue 7