Michigan State Spartans vs Western Michigan Broncos Final Score: Spartans Win 26-13
By Tony Fischer
Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
The Michigan State offense sputtered in the first half but the defense did their job shutting down the Broncos en route to a 26-13 victory.
The Spartan defense started the scoring in the first quarter when Drummond scored on a lateral after team-mate Jarris Jones intercepted and Tyler Van Tubbergen pass. After an hour-long severe weather delay, the Broncos offense scored on a TD pass by redshirt freshman Zach Terrell on his first play in division 1 football. Terrell entered the game after Tyler Van Tubbergen left the game with an injury.
The Spartan offense struggled for most of the first half punting in each of their first 7 possessions. After rotating time with Connor Cook, it was Andrew Maxwell who finally helped the Spartans find the end zone leading the Spartans on a touchdown on their last drive in the first quarter. The offense would continue to struggle though mustering only two field goals in the second half.
Questions about the Michigan State running game seem to be valid as the Spartans had trouble moving the ball on the ground. Jeremy Langford did eclipse 100 yards but fumbled at a key point in the third quarter.
At the end of the day it was the Spartan defense creation of 4 Western turnovers that made the difference in the game.
Scoring Summary
| FIRST QUARTER | WMU | MSU | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TD | 6:27 | Tyler Van Tubbergen pass intercepted by Jairus Jones at the WMich 25, returned for 3 yards for 3 yards, lateral to Kurtis Drummond for 22 yards, to the WMich 0 for a TOUCHDOWN. Kevin Muma extra point GOOD. | 0 | 7 | |
| SECOND QUARTER | WMU | MSU | |||
| TD | 6:14 | Zach Terrell pass complete to Clark Mussman for 14 yards for a TOUCHDOWN. Andrew Haldeman extra point GOOD. |
Drive info: 4 plays, 59 yds in 1:29
77TD0:22Jeremy Langford rush for 2 yards for a TOUCHDOWN. Kevin Muma extra point MISSED.
Drive info: 7 plays, 69 yds in 1:46
77THIRD QUARTERWMUMSUFG4:45Kevin Muma 20 yard field goal GOOD.
Drive info: 9 plays, 28 yds in 3:40
716FG0:06Kevin Muma 30 yard field goal GOOD.
Drive info: 4 plays, -1 yds in 0:58
719FOURTH QUARTERWMUMSUTD9:02Zach Terrell sacked by Marcus Rush, fumbled, forced by Marcus Rush, recovered by MchSt Shilique Calhoun at the WMich 16, Shilique Calhoun for 16 yards, to the WMich 0 for a TOUCHDOWN. Kevin Muma extra point GOOD.
Drive info: 3 plays, -12 yds in 0:55
726TD1:51Zach Terrell pass complete to Corey Davis for 14 yards for a TOUCHDOWN. Zach Terrell pass attempt failed .
Drive info: 8 plays, 56 yds in 1:16
1326