WEST LAFAYETTE – In what appeared to be a deja-vu of Michigan State’s near collapse against Nebraska, the MSU defense was forced to stop Purdue in the final minutes, holding on to a one-possession lead for dear life.

In the end, Darien Harris intercepted Austin Appleby, returning the pick for a 15-yard touchdown.  Michigan State held on to the lead, winning 45-31.

In what many expected to be a lopsided game turned into a shootout, with MSU leading by only one touchdown at halftime. No. 8 Michigan State experienced a near scare in the first half, as they were seemingly unable to stop the 3-3 Purdue offense from moving the ball.

Connor Cook finished the day with 238 yards, three touchdowns and an interception, and Jeremy Langford added 104 rushing yards.

Bradley Allen is a multimedia journalist for Impact Sports

Photo: Bradley Allen/Impact Sports