Michigan State Football demolished Rutgers in a 27-0 shutout today. Before this victory, the Spartans were on a five-game losing streak. Michigan State was sluggish and sloppy in the first half. Then, in the second half, Cody White exploded in an impressive showing.
Here is a recap of this game:
First Half
The Spartans offense lacked urgency early on in this game. MSU’s offense moved the chains but failed to score on their first drive. On the other hand, the defense showed up to play. Yet again, the Spartan’s defense did not allow a touchdown on the opening drive. Sure, this is against Rutger’s offense, but, we can still marvel at this accomplishment.
Next, Michigan State’s offense continued to move downfield. A high snap almost forced a turnover but Brian Lewerke did not fumble. This set up a third and long which is rather intimidating for this offensive unit. Luckily, Lewerke threw a nice touchdown pass to Cody White.
3rd & 6 and @MSU_Football strikes first.
Lewerke to Cody White for the 21-yard score. pic.twitter.com/okbuUIvvJl
— Michigan St. on BTN (@MichiganStOnBTN) November 23, 2019
Later, the offense failed to capitalize on a nice drive. Instead, they settled for a field goal. This brought the first quarter to a close as Michigan State lead Rutgers 10-0.
Rutger’s defense came out hot in the second quarter. Lewerke was sacked and this set up a third and long. MSU then went three and out. Sophomore Safety Xavier Henderson stepped up with a beautiful interception. Unfortunately, the Spartans failed to convert this into a touchdown and settled for a field goal. This time, Matt Coghlin missed the field goal kick. This sequence can sum up the entire year for MSU.
Late in the second quarter, the Spartans ran a two-minute drill. Play after play, Lewerke hit Cody White for big gains. Eventually, Lewerke threw another, crisp touchdown pass to White on a seam route.
Lewerke ➡️ White ➡️ second @MSU_Football TD of the day. pic.twitter.com/PppUnyPHWU
— Michigan St. on BTN (@MichiganStOnBTN) November 23, 2019
Lewerke to White for another touchdown to give MSU a 17-0 lead. They've been money today.
Lewerke: 17-of-20, 188 yards, 2 TDs
White: 9 catches, 117, 2 TDs— Colton Pouncy (@colton_pouncy) November 23, 2019
Second Half
Rutgers started the second half with plenty of offensive movement. Their run game yielded more success in the first three minutes of the second half than the entire first half. No worries, the Spartans did not give up any points on this Rutger’s drive. Instead, Kenny Willekes sacked QB Johnny Langan.
Michigan State put in AJ Arcuri at LT for their first drive of the half. MSU managed to move the chains forward for a first down. Lewerke found White on yet another impressive deep ball, but, this play went under review. Eventually, the referees determined the play was an incomplete pass.
Next thing you know, this drive turned into a disaster. Lewerke tried to hit White again in the endzone but White could not control the ball. Instead, Rutger’s defense snatched the ball away for an interception.
Early in the fourth quarter, Josiah Scott forced a fumble and gave Michigan State a favorable field position. Unlike earlier, the Spartans capitalized on this key turnover with an amazing touchdown. Lewerke overthrew a ball to White but it did not matter. White managed to snag the ball and fell into the endzone for a touchdown and a 27-0 lead.
This @MSU_Football TD catch is unreal 😱😱😱 pic.twitter.com/0IviXkqje2
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) November 23, 2019
Cody White ended the game with 11 receptions, 136 yards, and three touchdown catches. QB Brian Lewerke ended the game with 239 yards on 21/30 attempts with three touchdowns and one interception.
Michigan State football takes on Maryland next week on Saturday, Nov. 30. This game starts at 3:30 P.M.
Stay locked on SpartansWire for more coverage to come.
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