| Box Score | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan State | 14 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 17 |
| Minnesota | 7 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 10 |
Defenses Settle Down in Spartans 17-10 Victory
The Michigan State Spartans (5-1) were able to knock off the undefeated Minnesota Golden Gophers (7-0) 17-10 today, in a game that saw all three touchdowns scored in the first quarter.
On the Spartans first drive, they were able to execute a great option run that lead to HB A.J. Jimmerson's 60 yard score to open the game up 7-0.
On the Spartans next drive, an injury to QB Connor Dixon didn't slow the team down, as backup QB Nick Foles went 3 for 3 with 27 yards and a three yard pass to WR Mark Dell to put the Spartans up 14-0.
The Gophers would end the first quarter with a huge 80 yard run by HB E. Jones, making it 14-7 after one.
Neither team could put their offenses together from that point, especially the Spartans who turned the ball over five times, including three fumbles.
HB A.J. Jimmerson would go down with an injury in the 4th, and backup Willie Jackson would play keep away with great runs, preventing Minnesota from getting the ball back. Jackson had 11 carries for 44 yards. Jimmerson had 137 and a score on 24 carries.
QB Connor Dixon struggled to get the offense going, as he finished just 6 of 10 for 78 yards and two interceptions.
Players of the Game
| Game Statistics | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Michigan State | Minnesota |
| First Downs | 14 | 7 |
| Total Offense | 290 | 202 |
| Rushes-YDS | 38-185 | 19-95 |
| Passing YDS | 105 | 107 |
| Turnovers | 5 | 1 |
| Total Yards | 407 | 328 |
| T.O.P. | 17:04 | 11:00 |