There’s something about Michigan State and the dramatics under the lights of Spartan Stadium.
Saturday night was no exception.
#16 Michigan State stunned #6 Wisconsin 37-31 as former State QB Keith Nichol caught a 44-yard TD pass from Kirk Cousins on the final play of the game.
With the game tied 31 a piece and with Michigan State looking like they were going to run out the clock and head to OT, Cousins rolled out to his right and threw the hail mary. The ball flew into the end zone deflected off a State receiver and into the hands of Nichol who fought to get into the end zone as Wisconsin defenders fought to keep him out.
The initial call was that Nichol was down at the one-yard line however the call was overturned giving the Spartans (6-1, 3-0 Big Ten) the win and knocking the Badgers (6-1, 2-1) from the ranks of the unbeaten.
The Majors East Lansing Player of the Game: Russell Wilson is probably the best QB in the Big Ten but Kirk Cousin isn’t bad himself and was one step ahead of Russell all night. Cousin finished the game going 22-21 with 290 yards, 3 TDs and 0 INTs.
The Majors East Lansing Zero of the Game:The Wisconsin defense needs to knock that ball to the ground at the end of the game.
Looking Ahead: The Wisconsin win was a nice one for State however next week they head to Nebraska to take on the Cornhuskers in a game that’s must win if they want their Big Ten fate in their own hands.
The Bottom Line: Week in and week out Michigan State gets more and more impressive. Last week the defense did a very good job at containing Denard Robinson and this week they did just enough to contain Russell Wilson. The offensive line (which was thought to be a concern) continues to give Cousins plenty of time in that pocket.
Ref: AP, USA Today (image)