Observations on the win over Michigan State, 12-10
Brendon Gibbons is the hero with two field goals including a 38 yarder with 9 seconds left for the win. Michigan earns two red zones, and comes up with only 6 points. The Wolverines score 3 points off one Spartan turnover. The Spartans gain 10 points of their two red zone trips.
Offense had 326 yards, 163 on the ground with 16 first downs. We were 5 of 15 on 3rd down conversions. Denard Robinson was 14 of 29 with an interception to close the first half, and had 20 rushes for 96 yards. Fitzgerald Touissaint had 10 carries for 52 yards including a 38 yarder setting up the only red zone of the game. Vincent Smith came in on the final drive and had a 12 yard gain. Drew Dileo had 4 catches for 92 yards including the clutch catch with 18 seconds on the clock that set up the game winning field goal. Jeremy Gallon had a 22 yard reception and a 3 yard run. Roy Roundtree caught a 15 yarder and Devin Funchess grabbed a 13 yarder. We were forced into 7 punts and one turnover by the Spartan defense.
Jake Ryan led the defense with 10 tackles including a sack and a forced fumble. Desmond Morgan had 11 tackles, and Ramon Taylor had 7. Thomas Gordon and Kenny Demmens had 6 tackles each. Brennan Beyer forced a fumble. Jordan Kovacs had 5 tackles and a 25 yard interception. Maxwell was 21 of 34 for 192 yards with 1 TD, 1 interception and 1 sack. Le'Veon Bell had only 68 yards on 26 carries. Aaron Burbridge caught 6 passes for 51 yards. MSU was 7 of 18 on 3rd and 4th down conversions including a 25 yard fake punt conversion by Mike Sadler. MSU had 16 first downs, 304 yards of total offense and dominated the second half time of possession finishing with a 3 minute advantage for the game. We forced them into 5 three and outs including the final one that resulted in the winning drive. Denicos Allen had 11 tackles, 3 for loss and a pass break up to lead the Spartans. Max Bullough had 10 tackles, 1 for loss, 2 pass break ups and an interception.
Special teams were solid with the exception of the fake punt. We hit four of four field goals, both Gibbons and Wile hit field goals of 21, 24, 38 and 48 yards. Jeremy Gallon had 3 fair catches and a nice 26 yard return just before the end of the half. Dennis Norfleet has a 21 yard return. Wile had 5 kickoffs, 2 touchbacks, but kickoff coverage was poor on the opening return to the 44 to start the game. Hagerup and Wile did a nice job punting with the exception of Hagerup's shank of only 30 yards.
Nebraska will be a huge test especially on the road after they beat Northwestern. Go Blue!
Player Participation Box Score Highlights Post-Game Press Conference Drew Dileo&Brendon Gibbons Denard Robinson&Jordan Kovacs Taylor Lewan, Craig Roh and Roy Roundtree Paul Bunyan Trophy Returns to Michigan
Observations on the first half with Michigan State
Brady Hoke on October 19
Brady Hoke on October 17
Greg Mattison on October 16 Al Borges
Brady Hoke Press Conference on October 15 Denard Robinson Jordan Kovacs
Games Notes for the Spartans (Michigan State Game Notes for Michigan)