Live MSU blog: MSU loses 4th in a row, 54-40
Saturday's 54-40 loss to Northwestern was a first for Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio.
It marks the first four-game losing streak for him as the coach of the Spartans.
For the third time in as many weeks, the Spartans took an early lead, only to watch it fade away, replaced by a big deficit.
Michigan State went up 14-0 in the first quarter, before Northwestern clawed its way back.
Redshirt freshman Brian Lewerke made his first-career start for the Spartans (2-4, 0-3 Big Ten). He was 12-of-19 for 99 yards and a touchdown. Tyler O'Connor, who Lewerke replaced, entered in the third quarter. He went 13-of-21 for 281 yards, three touchdowns and an interception.
But that wasn't enough.
For the Wildcats (3-3, 2-1) Clayton Thorson was 27-of-35 for 281 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. Justin Jackson had 34 carries for 188 yards and two touchdowns.
The Spartans will hit the road next Saturday for a game against the Maryland Terrapins (4-2, 1-2). Kickoff is set for 7:30.
Spartans settle for late FG
The Spartans managed points off the blocked punt the drive before, but had to settle for a 35-yard field goal from Michael Geiger on fourth-and-goal late in the fourth quarter.
Michigan State trails 54-40.
MSU blocks punt
It's hard to pick which Michigan State unit has had the most problems, but a case can be made for special teams to be at the top of that list.
However, on fourth down, the Spartans blocked a Northwestern punt, which was returned for a short gain by Jalen Watts-Jackson — the hero of last season's Michigan-Michigan State game.
But the Spartans, despite that brief moment, are still down 54-37 to the Wildcats late in the fourth quarter.
Northwestern takes over on downs, up big
Good news for Michigan State and its fans: The Spartans moved the ball relatively well on their most recent drive.
But Michigan State then missed passes on three of its next four plays, resulting in a turnover on downs in Northwestern territory.
The Wildcats, late in the game, lead 54-37.
Wildcats surpass 50-point mark
Northwestern may have put the game away.
On fourth-and-6, quarterback Clayton Thorson found receiver Austin Carr in the front right corner of the end zone, for a 29-yard touchdown pass.
Jack Mitchell's extra point made it 54-37 Wildcats in the fourth quarter.
The scoring drive was short, compared to Northwestern's 10-plus-play masterpieces. This one was only a six-play, 47-yard drive.
Thorson is 27-of-35 for 281 yards, three touchdowns and an interception so far.
Spartans not quite done yet
Michigan State might not quite be done yet.
Tyler O'Connor found Donnie Corley on a 9-yard touchdown pass, capping a 5-play, 76-yard drive.
However, the Spartans couldn't make the two-point conversion happen, and are down 47-37 midway through the fourth quarter.
Northwestern pads lead in 4Q
Justin Jackson's 29-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter — his second of the day — padded Northwestern's lead over Michigan State.
Jack Mitchell's extra point made it 47-31.
The Spartans defense was almost nonexistent on the 13-play, 91-yard scoring drive. Only two of the plays — the touchdown and a 16-yard pass from Clayton Thorson to Austin Carr on third-and-6 — were 10 yards or longer.
Things again are looking bleak for Michigan State.
O'Connor's deep ball picked off
Things appear to have returned to normal — well, the 2016 version of normal — for Michigan State.
On the third play of the fourth quarter, Tyler O'Connor heaved a deep pass intended for Donnie Corley, but it was picked off by Jared McGee at the Northwestern 9-yard line. The interception came a play after O'Connor threw a bad pass to R.J. Shelton, which was almost picked off.
Early in the fourth quarter, Northwestern has a 40-31 lead over Michigan State.
Wildcats return kick 95 yards for TD
Well, just wait one second.
Solomon Vault, whose lucky breaks have turned a pair of turnovers into a pair of incomplete passes for Northwestern so far, returned the kick following Michigan State's long touchdown 95 yards for a score.
So just like that, the Wildcats have built back a two-score lead, 40-31.
Spartans cut Wildcat lead to 2, 33-31
Michigan State, which fumbled the drive before and rendered that fumble harmless by forcing a three-and-out, needed only one play — an 86-yard touchdown strike from Tyler O'Connor to R.J. Shelton to make the game manageable.
After Michael Geiger's extra point, Northwestern's lead is only two, 33-31, late in the third quarter.
It looks like a football game may have broken out at Spartan Stadium, after all.
Spartans offense gives up crucial fumble
On the drive after the three-and-out, Michigan State did another thing it could ill-afford: It gave up a fumble on offense.
Tyler O'Connor was hit by Joe Gaziano, who forced a safety in the first half, and coughed up the ball. Gaziano recovered, and Northwestern takes over with a 33-24 lead.
MSU defense gets big stop in 3Q
For Michigan State, stops have been increasingly hard to come by in the second half this season. So the stop late in the third quarter for the Spartans was equally important.
Northwestern went three-and-out, and for a minute looked to have given the ball away to Michigan State on third down. A pass from Clayton Thorson to Solomon Vault appeared to be intercepted by Riley Bullough, but on review the call was overturned and ruled an incomplete pass.
It was the second time that an incomplete pass between the two was ruled after an apparent interception.
However, Michigan State still trails 33-24.
O'Connor enters, throws long TD pass
Tyler O'Connor came into the game for Michigan State, which began to show signs of life after going down 16 in the third quarter.
His 59-yard touchdown pass to R.J. Shelton on the third play of the drive, and ensuing extra point from Michael Geiger, cut Northwestern's lead to 33-24.
For Michigan State to come back, not only will the offense have to continue rolling, its defense will need to improve as well.
Northwestern piling it on in 3Q
This game has gone from good, to bad, to downright ugly for Michigan State.
Northwestern quarterback Clayton Thorson's 9-yard touchdown run midway through the third quarter, with ensuing extra point, increased the lead for the Wildcats to 33-17.
The 10-play, 86-yard scoring drive was long and demoralizing — supposing the Spartans have any morale left.
MSU struggling for momentum
Despite converting a third down in the drive, Michigan State stalled before reaching Northwestern territory.
Brian Lewerke connected with Donnie Corley on a 13-yard pass on third-and-5, but that was pretty much it for the Spartans on the drive.
Northwestern leads 26-17, and MSU may be making a quarterback change. Tyler O'Connor is warming up on the sideline.
Wildcats come out swinging in 3Q
Four plays into the second half, Northwestern added to its lead in a big way.
Quarterback Clayton Thorson connected with receiver Flynn Nagel on a 57-yard pass-and-catch for touchdown.
After the extra point from Jack Mitchell, Northwestern's lead is 26-17 early in the third quarter.
Halftime: Northwestern 19, MSU 17
For the third time in as many weeks, Michigan State took an early lead and watched it disappear in the first half.
Today's lead was 14-0, two drives into the first quarter.
At the half, Northwestern had a 19-17 lead.
Redshirt freshman quarterback Brian Lewerke started in place of Tyler O'Connor, and went 8-of-14 for 79 yards and a touchdown. He completed two of his first three passes, before falling into a bit of a rut as the half progressed.
Lewerke is also MSU's leading rusher. He has seven carries for 30 yards.
For Northwestern, Clayton Thorson is 14-of-19 for 88 yards, a touchdown and a pick-six.
Justin Jackson has 18 rushes for 98 yards and a touchdown.
MSU gets big sack from McDowell
A big sack from Malik McDowell, who was shaken up two drives earlier, forced Northwestern to punt late in the first half.
Michigan State's offense, which has again struggled, will start at its own 27-yard line, down 19-17.
Spartans go three-and-out again
The last thing Michigan State can afford right now are three-and-outs.
But that's exactly what happened on the drive after Northwestern took a 19-17 lead.
The offense for the Spartans, which looked confident early in the first quarter now looks just as it has the last three weeks: Hapless and lost.
The only difference? The quarterback.
Late in the second quarter, the Wildcats still lead, 19-17.
Northwestern takes lead on 33-yard FG
Just like that, Michigan State's lead is no more. Jack Mitchell's 33-yard field goal gave Northwestern a 19-17 lead midway through the second quarter.
The Spartans once led 14-0.
Wildcats pick up 2 on safety
Once upon a time, Michigan State had a 14-0 lead.
Then, the Spartans were up 17-7.
Now, it's 17-16 well before the half.
Northwestern defensive lineman Joe Gaziano hit MSU quarterback Brian Lewerke hard in the end zone, on third-and-8, to cut MSU's lead to just a point.
Twice in the last two weeks, Michigan State had an early lead, just to squander it and eventually lose.
Will today be a "Same 'ol Spartans" moment, or not?
Stay tuned.
Northwestern cuts into MSU lead in 2Q
Clayton Thorson's 9-yard touchdown pass to Austin Carr, and the ensuing extra point from Jack Mitchell, cut Michigan State's lead to 17-14 in the second quarter.
For the last two drives, Northwestern's offense has rolled through the MSU defense. This scoring drive was a 12-play, 75-yard picking apart of the Spartans.
In their first three drives, Northwestern had yet to pick up a first down. On their last two, the Wildcats have six.
The total yardage battle is close, too. Northwestern is ahead 177-176.
Geiger good from 41, MSU up 17-7
Michael Geiger's 41-yard field goal, from the right hash, added to Michigan State's lead early in the second quarter.
MSU was marching. Despite a 10-yard hold assessed to Jamal Lyles, the Spartans managed to work themselves into Northwestern territory before the field goal.
Michigan State leads 17-7, and has 146 total yards of offense to Northwestern's 82.
Northwestern gets on board in 1Q
In three drives, Northwestern had yet to get a first down.
But on their fourth, things changed a little for the Wildcats.
After Northwestern picked up a pair of first downs, Justin Jackson found some holes in the Michigan State defense, taking the handoff from Clayton Thorson 29 yards for a touchdown.
The scoring drive went 57 yards in seven plays and late in the first quarter, Michigan State has a 14-7 lead.
Spartans take first three-and-out
For the first time, Michigan State's offense went three-and-out.
The Spartans started at their own 10-yard line, managing only seven yards, before Brian Lewerke's incomplete pass — intended for Donnie Corley — brought up fourth down.
After Jake Hartbarger's 44-yard punt, Northwestern will start at its own 39.
In the first quarter, Michigan State leads 14-0.
MSU defense rolling so far
Northwestern went three-and-out for — officially — the second time. If you count the pick-six on the previous drive, which took place on third down, the result is the same. Michigan State's defense is clamping down on the Wildcats.
It appeared, for a split second, that Northwestern had a first down — after a third down pass from Clayton Thorson to Solomon Vault. However, Vault looked to fumble the catch, which was recovered by Michigan State. However, the ruling was overturned, bringing up fourth down.
Northwestern punter Hunter Niswander's 62-yard punt — which rolled for about 25 — was downed at the MSU 10-yard line, where the Spartans will start with a 14-0 lead.
Layne gets pick-six for MSU
Michigan State gave Northwestern good field position, after Kevin Cronin's kick went out of bounds. However, it was the defense that prevailed for the Spartans on the ensuing drive.
Well on its way to a three-and-out, Northwestern's offense was called for a false start, turning a third-and-1 into a third-and-6. MSU defensive back Justin Layne then scoped out a pass from Clayton Thorson, returning the interception for a touchdown.
Still early in the first quarter, Michigan State has a 14-0 lead over Northwestern.
Lewerke conducts quick scoring drive
Michigan State, starting in Northwestern territory, needed only three plays — two from quarterback Brian Lewerke — to score its first points.
On the first play of the drive, Lewerke picked up 25 yards, taking the Spartans immediately into the red zone. Two plays later, Lewerke found Josiah Price for the 16-yard touchdown pass — the first of Lewerke’s career. After Michael Geiger made the extra point, the Spartans have a 7-0 lead early in the first quarter.
Lewerke is 2-of-3 for 48 yards so far.
Northwestern goes three-and-out
After starting the drive inside their own 1-yard line, the Wildcats went three-and-out on their first drive. Hunter Niswander's 34-yard punt was fielded by R.J. Shelton, who called for a fair catch at the Northwestern 39, where Michigan State will start. Early in the first quarter, the game remains scoreless.
MSU stalls, Lewerke looks good
Michigan State quarterback Brian Lewerke, a redshirt freshman, looked good on his first drive as starter. His first pass came three plays into the drive, on third-and-8. And it was a big one. Lewerke found R.J. Shelton for a gain of 33 yards, bringing up a first down. However, the Spartans stalled three plays later.
Jake Hartbarger's 36-yard punt was downed inside the Northwestern 1-yard line, where the Wildcats will start in a scoreless game.
Lewerke to start
Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio revealed to Lisa Byington of the Big Ten Network prior to kickoff that redshirt freshman Brian Lewerke will start at quarterback for the Spartans. Lewerke replaces embattled starter Tyler O'Connor, who has struggled all season.
QB revealed on first MSU snap
Michigan State hopes to end a three-game losing streak in a 3:30 p.m. matchup on Saturday against Northwestern at Spartan Stadium. Follow the action here with live updates throughout the game by Al Willman of The Detroit News.
In a season where very little has gone right for Michigan State, Saturday’s game against Northwestern – which has had some struggles of its own – is very close to a must-win contest for the Spartans.
Redshirt senior linebacker Riley Bullough, who hasn’t played since injuring his shoulder prior to MSU’s 36-28 win over Notre Dame – ironically the last win for the Spartans (2-3, 0-2 Big Ten) – will be back for Michigan State.
As for today’s starting quarterback, MSU beat writer Matt Charboneau tweeted that Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio would not reveal his decision before the game. Fans will find out on MSU's first offensive series.
Speculation all week was that struggling starter Tyler O’Connor would give way to either Damion Terry or Brian Lewerke. Charboneau writes that regardless of who starts, the play calling and offensive philosophy will remain the same.
In addition to their offensive struggles and melting down in the second half, the Spartans have had issues with their pass rush, writes Charboneau.
There is some pressure on Michigan State – both from fans and prospective recruits – to win. Five-star Detroit Cass Tech receiver Donavan Peoples-Jones was to be in East Lansing on a campus visit this weekend. He was at Ohio State last weekend, subbing out a scheduled visit to the University of Florida for a trip to Columbus, because of Hurricane Matthew.
Detroit News staff writers made their picks for this week’s game. The consensus is that Michigan State will edge Northwestern. However, columnist Bob Wojnowski believes the Wildcats will narrowly pull out the win in East Lansing. So does this blogger.
Detroit News College Football Show
HOW TO WATCH
When: Saturday, 3:30 p.m.
TV: Big Ten Network
Radio: WJR 760 AM