WHAT. A. GAME.
Mel Tucker took his Spartans into Ann Arbor, in a game where they were more than 20 point underdogs, and Michigan State Football picked up the win in the Big House against No. 13 Michigan.
What a way for Mel Tucker to earn his first win at MSU, in a game where his predecessor Mark Dantonio said it ‘has a way of defining you.’
The game ball has to go to freshman wide receiver Ricky White, who tallied 196 yards on 8 catches and scored a touchdown in one of the greatest performances we have ever seen from a Michigan State freshman. That may seem hyperbolic but with lead-taking touchdown catches, and diving 40-yard receptions, he established himself as a breakout star in the Big Ten.
The other game ball would have to go to linebacker Antjuan Simmons, who recorded 11 total tackles on the day and seemed to be all over the field for a very stout MSU defense.
The last thing that stood out? Ball control. Sure, the Spartans were a little conservative today, but it all paid off. They eliminated the turnover issue and didn’t record a single turnover on the day.
Rocky Lombardi wasn’t super efficient on the day, but he made the big plays when he had to and threw for 323 yards on the day on 17/32 passing to go along with 3 touchdowns. It looks like any conversation of a quarterback controversy has been nipped in the bud. Lombardi managed a great game and came away with a huge win.
You also need to give a shoutout to Connor Heyward. Many have questioned why he has the starting job but he has been consistent, reliable, and had two touchdowns on the day.
I think this game finally showed us what Mel Tucker meant when we made the team’s motto ‘RELENTLESS.’ Michigan State shook off their devastating loss to Rutgers and walked away with a win against their biggest rival on the road.
Go Green.
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