Michigan State entered the Big Ten Championship Game a 9.5 underdog but made things much more interesting.
However they came out on the losing side of a high scoring game in which Wisconsin beat the Spartans 42-39 Saturday night.
After being down by 14 points in the first half, Kirk Cousins and the Spartans were able to come back and actually take a 22-21 lead into halftime. This lead would stick for a good portion of the second half until the Badgers were able to score late taking a 42-39 lead with only a few minutes in the game remaining. From there the Badgers were able to force a punt and run out the clock after Michigan State’s Isaiah Lewis was called for running into the kicker giving the Badgers a first down with 1:37 left in the game and the Spartans out of timeouts.
What makes matters worse for that late penalty by Lewis is that Michigan State punt returner Keshawn Martin ran the punt back down to the Wisconsin 3.
Speaking postgame MSU head coach Mark Dantonio said of the play: “Last play of the game – difficult to stomach, then the way it went down…” But added that, “the toughest lessons usually help you out more in the long run.”
Wisconsin running back Montee Ball was definitely the difference maker for the Badgers in this game. Ball ran for three touchdowns including the deciding 7-yard score with 3:45 to go in the game giving the Badgers the 42-39 lead. In addition to this, Ball ran 27 times for 137 yards and caught a TD pass, giving him 38 touchdowns this season. This is only one short of Barry Sanders’ single season record.
Michigan State quarterback Kirk Cousins had an outstanding night himself going 22 of 30 for 281 yards, three touchdowns and one interception.
With the win, Wisconsin will head to Pasadena to play in their second consecutive Rose Bowl against Pac-12 Champion Oregon.
Michigan State may still be in line for a BCS Bowl however that is to be determined on Sunday night when the final BCS standings are revealed.
Ref: Associated Press, CBS Sports, Grand Rapids Press, AP (image)