Couches are burning, and the Michigan State Spartans are returning to the Rose Bowl for the first time in 26 years.

Connor Cook struck quickly in the first half, throwing two touchdown passes as the Spartans took a 17-0 lead.

Then, the nation’s top defense let up 24 straight points.Ohio State’s rushing tandem of Braxton Miller and Carlos Hyde took off, as the Buckeyes took control of the game in the third quarter.  Miller finished with 243 total yards and three touchdowns, while his partner in crime Hyde added 118 yards on the ground.

After a field goal from Michael Geiger, Cook responded again with a touchdown pass to tight end Josiah Price.

Leading 27-24 late in the 4th quarter, Michigan State looked for the finishing touch.  They looked to junior running back Jeremy Langford to finish things out.  Langford broke free for a 26-yard touchdown with 2:16 left in the game, closing out the Spartan victory with a score of 34-24.

Cook, an Ohio native, threw for a career high 304 yards to combine with three touchdowns.

Michigan State officially clinched their spot in the Rose Bowl, their first berth since 1988.

Ohio State, losing their first game in two seasons, likely will take an at-large bid to another BCS bowl game.

Head Coach Mark Dantonio campaigned for his program to be in the title conversation prior to Saturday, and the result just added fuel to his argument.

“We’re 12-1. so why not us?  Why not us?  I’ll vote us No. 2,” said Dantonio in regards to playing in the national title game.

Dan Tyler is the host of Spartan Red Zone for Impact Sports.

Photo: Michigan State Spartans