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Turnovers Haunt MSU in 38-18 Loss To Notre Dame

Carina Garcia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsjnIzReua8

The Megaphone trophy is headed back to South Bend. Notre Dame captured the coveted trophy with a 38-18 beat down of Michigan State Friday night at Spartan Stadium.

A trio of Spartan turnovers in the first half led to 21 Fighting Irish points. The first turnover came on the Spartans opening drive when quarterback Brian Lewerke's pass, which was intended for Darrell Stewart, ended up in the hands of sophomore defensive back Julian Love, who ran it back 59 yards to give the Irish a 14-0 lead. Lewerke and junior running back LJ Scott both had fumbles of their own which led to two more Irish scores.

The Spartans' lone score in the first half was started when Lewerke used his legs and broke off a 52-yard run the placed MSU inside the Irish 15-yard line. Following that, Lewerke found Darrell Stewart on a back shoulder fade from the 4-yard line. 

The Spartans were able to clean up the turnovers in the second half, but were unable to get into any sort of an offensive rhythm. Their only touchdown in the second half came in garbage time when Lewerke connected with Gerald Holmes from 25 yards out. A successful two-point conversion tacked on the 17th and 18th points for MSU, who went on the fall to their long-time rival after a decisive victory in this matchup last year.

Next week the Spartans will open up Big Ten play against the Iowa Hawkeyes. Kick off from Spartan Stadium is set for 4:00 p.m.

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