The Michigan State Spartans had their bowl bid hopes on the line Saturday, as they faced the Northwestern Wildcats at Spartan Stadium.
The opening Northwestern drive led to a field goal, tacked on by kicker Jeff Budzien. Michigan State responded tallying its first safety of the year, sacking quarterback Kain Colter with 2:43 left in the first quarter.
Both teams failed to score touchdowns in the first half. The Spartans were 1-4 in the red-zone scoring with a field goal, while Northwesterns’ one red-zone chance led to a field goal, as they led at the half 6-5.
The second half featured more scoring opportunities, as Andrew Maxwell threw an interception within the first minute that was returned for a Northwestern touchdown. Michigan State fired right back with a 15-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Aaron Burbridge, while successfully completing a two-point conversion to tie the game 13-13.
After more scoring from both teams, the Wildcats pulled away late in the fourth quarter with another Budzien field goal at 7:30. The Spartans could not answer, committing two turnovers with the remaining time.
Michigan State Dan Conroy set a record of 77 consecutive made extra points, tied for the most ever in Spartan history. Running back Le’Veon Bell, who had five 100-yard rush games leading up to today, finished with 133 yards on 32 carries.
The Michigan State Spartans have now lost their last five games at home this season by a combined total of 13 points. One more win would give them a bowl berth, as they face the Minnesota Golden Gophers next Saturday with their last game of the season.