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It wasn’t pretty, but Michigan State found a way to avoid Indiana’s upset bid to improve to a perfect 7-0 on the season.
Michigan State made just enough plays in the second half to knock off the Hoosiers, 20-15, on Saturday. The Spartans were led by their defense in a game where their offense was unable to have much success.
Michigan State trailed at halftime, 9-7, with their defense scoring their lone touchdown on a 30-yard interception by linebacker Cal Haladay. That score by Haladay was the hallmark play of an incredible defensive performance by the Spartans against the Hoosiers.
Michigan State’s only other touchdown came on a 12-yard touchdown pass from Payton Thorne to Tyler Hunt. The play capped off a 39-yard drive and put the Spartans up 17-9.
Indiana outgained the Spartans 322 to 241 in total yards, and had 10 more first downs (24-to-14) as well. Michigan State did, however, win the turnovers battle 3-to-2 with two interceptions and one fumble.
Michigan State’s Kenneth Walker was bottled up for the most part, finishing with just 84 yards on 23 carries. Thorne finished the game with 126 passing yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.
This was a true survival win for the Spartans as they didn’t bring their best effort by any means. But they yet again were able to find a way to earn a super gutsy win.
Michigan State is on a bye next week, and won’t return to the field until Oct. 30 in a potential undfeated matchup against the Michigan Wolverines. Kickoff from Spartan Stadium for that game has yet to be announced.
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