| Box Score | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan State | 3 | 14 | 3 | 7 | 27 |
| Northwestern | 0 | 13 | 0 | 7 | 20 |
Special Teams and Defense Carries Spartans
The #23 Michigan State Spartans struggled offensively against the Northwestern Wildcats, but thanks to a special teams and defensive touchdown, the Spartans were able to defeat the Wildcats 27-20.
Trailing 13-3, Northwestern kicked off to KR Ryan Allison, who broke a tackle and returned the kick 92 yards for the touchdown with two minutes left in the first half.
After a turnover, the Spartans were able to get a tremendous 53 yard touchdown pass from QB Connor Dixon to WR Mark Dell, giving the Spartans a 17-13 halftime lead.
In the 4th, SS George Colbert picked off the pass and returned it 91 yards for the touchdown to give the Spartans the go ahead touchdown that saved the day for the Spartans.
Half of Dixon's yardage came on that touchdown to Dell, as he had a miserable 6 of 14, 103 yard day with the one touchdown and three interceptions.
HB A.J. Jimmerson struggled to get his 127 yards, and didn't score for the first time all season.
Players of the Game
| Game Statistics | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Michigan State | Northwestern |
| First Downs | 11 | 16 |
| Total Offense | 235 | 356 |
| Rushes-YDS | 34-130 | 27-89 |
| Passing YDS | 105 | 267 |
| Turnovers | 5 | 4 |
| Total Yards | 432 | 495 |
| T.O.P. | 14:07 | 13:57 |