Michigan State started the Big Ten season out on the right foot as they defeated Ohio State 10-7 from the Horseshoe in Columbus.
This marks the first win for Michigan State over Ohio State since 1999 and the first win for Michigan State at Ohio State since 1998. Michigan State came into the game with the #1 ranked total defense and pass defense.
Kirk Cousins had another up and down day as he completed 20 of 32 passes for 250 yards and the game’s lone touchdown – a 33-yard pass to B.J. Cunningham (nine catches, 154 yards) in the first quarter.
Yet with two interceptions the concern still surrounds Cousins as he has yet to have one of those eye catching games that he’s capable of.
However the story of the game was certainly the Michigan State defense as they held Ohio State to zero points all the way up to about 10 seconds left in the game when Ohio State was able to tack on a touchdown and extra point. The Spartans also held Ohio State to 178 total yards as the MSU defensive line consistently put pressure on both Braxton Miller and Joe Bauserman.
Michigan State now takes a week off before facing their arch rival Michigan Wolverines on October 15th.
The Majors East Lansing Player of the Game: The Michigan State Defense
Team Stat Comparison
| Michigan St | Ohio St | |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Downs | 15 | 12 |
|
3rd down efficiency
|
3-14 | 4-16 |
|
4th down efficiency
|
0-1 | 1-2 |
| Total Yards | 321 | 178 |
| Passing | 250 | 143 |
|
Comp-Att
|
20-32 | 12-25 |
|
Yards per pass
|
7.8 | 5.7 |
| Rushing | 71 | 35 |
|
Rushing Attempts
|
31 | 39 |
|
Yards per rush
|
2.3 | 0.9 |
| Penalties | 6-54 | 9-82 |
| Turnovers | 3 | 1 |
|
Fumbles lost
|
1 | 0 |
|
Interceptions thrown
|
2 | 1 |
| Possession | 28:26 | 31:34 |
Ref: Lansing State Journal, ESPN