Observations on the win over Michigan State, 24-17
Michigan State gained 4 red zones, but only converted two for 14 points; Michigan gained 3 red zones for 16 points. The Wolverines capitalized on a Spartan turnover for 3 points.
Offense gained a net of 265 yards with 119 on the ground, and 17 first downs; we were 7 of 12 in 3rd down conversions. Davis Warren was 13 of 19 for 123 yards and a TD; he also scrambled for 7 yards, but most importantly had no turnovers. Alex Orji ran 6 times for 64 yards and a TD. Donovan Edwards carried 9 times for 24 yards, also caught 2 passes for 17 yards; the also threw a halfback pass for a 23 yard TD. Kalel Mullings carried 13 times for 18 yards. Coston Loveland caught 6 passes for 67 yards and 2 TDs plus caught a 2 point conversion. Peyton O'Leary caught a 15 yards pass. Tyler Morris caught a 23 yard pass. Kendrick Bell caught a 12 yard pass. Malik Spencer led the Spartans with 10 tackles.
Defense held Michigan State to 352 total yards with 163 on the ground; the Spartans had 18 first downs, and were 9 of 17 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. Aidan Chiles hit 17 of 23 for 189 yards, but fumbled for a turnover; he ran 6 times for 6 yards after 3 sacks were deducted. Nate Carter was phenomenal, and terribly difficult to tackle; he gained 118 yards on 19 carries for a TD, and caught two passes for 52 yards. Nick Marsh caught 4 passes for 42 yards and a TD. Montorie Foster caught 4 passes for 44 yards. Jack Velling caught 4 passes for 40 yards. The Spartans controlled the time of possession by 14 minutes, and it gave them 14 more offensive plays. Ernest Hausmann led the defense with 11 tackles; Jaishawn Barham had 9 stops, and Aamir Hall had 8 tackles. Quentin Johnson had two pass break ups including one late in the 4th quarter in the end zone on 4th down ending the final Spartan drive.
Tommy Doman muffed a hold on the extra point; he punted 5 times for a 36.6 yard average with 3 downed inside the 20, but gave the Spartans a chance at the 50 yard line after a 25 yard punt late in the 4th quarter. Ryan Eckley punted three timesfor a 51.7 yard average. Tyler Morris ran back a punt for 14 yards. Semaj Morgan ran back an 8 yard punt. Dominic Zvada kicked the field goal to put us ahead. Jonathan Kim missed a field goal, and made another. Tavierre Dunlap recovered the Spartan onside kick attempt in the 3rd quarter, but MSU was offside on the kick. The Wolverines took no penalties in the game; the Spartans were penalized 6 times including a spearing call that disqualified Jordan Turner. The Wolverines won on special teams, they didn't turn the ball over, and did just enough on offense and defense to prevail in this tight game.
We won a game that we had to win, and played well enough in the final 3 quarters to accomplish the victory. We may not have a great team this season, but we will at least go to a bowl game if we beat Northwestern. Go Blue!
