The No. 2 Michigan State Spartans muscled their way to victory against the Central Michigan Chippewas by a score of 30-10.
Sophomore running back Gerald Holmes came alive in the fourth quarter sealing the victory for the Spartans, scoring twice on four carries.
Mental toughness played a huge factor in the win for the Spartans in a game that was filled with yellow laundry.
“We had a lot of penalties and that definitely played a factor in the game,” Coach Mark Dantonio said.
With a slight smirk sophomore Jon Reschke added, “It was a long game. In those situations, you have to stay locked in.”
Reschke went on, “We look to our leaders in those situations, but as a player – you have to step up at the same time.”
Michigan State and Central Michigan combined for 17 penalties for a total of 148 yards.
Entering today’s game, the Spartans had committed only 11 combined penalties. Today they committed seven.
Along with Holmes’ late surge, the Spartans defensive line wrecked havoc all day long for the Chippewas offense.
One in particular who took over the game was Michigan State’s defensive end, Shilique Calhoun. The senior racked up two and a half sacks, and added a blocked field goal along with six tackles.
Meanwhile – Chippewas quarterback; Cooper Rush had a tremendous day, exploiting the depleted Spartan secondary. The Lansing native threw for 285 yards, and controlled the clock, going 7 of 15 on the money down.
“We blame ourselves on the defensive line when there are big passing plays because we need to get by the offensive line. As a unit we have to pressure the quarterback, and help our DB’s out,” Shilique Calhoun said.
To sum up the first three games, Michigan State has started fast – capitalizing on opportunities. However, criticism followed when the Spartans failed to finish opponents.
A 180 degree turn occurred in this contest as Michigan State overpowered the Chippewas in the fourth quarter, imposing their will to win.
“We know the caliber of talent we have, and we have been in these situations before. We are all about finishing,” senior quarterback Connor Cook said.
Cook acknowledged the lack of “finishing” in the first three games, but today it counted.
“It was very encouraging that we handled our business in the fourth quarter.”
“We started out fast, but then we went into a lull. Possession time went their way, which was crucial. Nonetheless, we finished in the fourth. Coming up with those two touchdowns at the end – you feel a little bit better,” Dantonio said.
Impressive side notes: Connor Cook recorded his 27th career victory, tying Kirk Cousins (2009-2011) as the winningest QB in MSU history. Junior tight end Josiah Price is now the all-time career leader in TD receptions by a tight end in MSU lure. Lastly, Riley Bullough still managed to record seven tackles in a half of play (second best on the team), and recovered a crucial fumble recovery. Ultimately setting up a score for the offense.
The Spartans move to 4-0 on the year and will open Big Ten play next week, hosting the Purdue Boilermakers for homecoming weekend.
