Tag: msu vs. rutgers

MSU Football routes Rutgers: Three Key Takeaways

Michigan State football handled Rutgers in a 27-0 victory yesterday. Here are three key takeaways from this game for the Spartans.

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Michigan State Football took care of business against Rutgers yesterday in a 27-0 victory. On paper, this score may offer up some positive sentiments. Upon further review, I’m not quite sure I feel all that great about this victory.

Here are three key takeaways from this game:

Summary Of The Season

Michigan State put up 395 yards total in this game against Rutgers. Again, this seems impressive on the surface, but they only scored 27 points on that 395 yard total. That is not good. The Spartans strung together long drives that often ended with punts or field goal attempts.

The Spartans defense showed up to play, per usual. One sequence, in particular, was a perfect representation of this MSU football season. Sophomore Xavier Henderson snagged a nice interception and set up the offense with a rather favorable field position. Unfortunately, the Spartan’s offense could not score. Instead, Matt Coghlin came out and missed a field goal.

This sequence represents MSU’s consistent defensive success and offensive woes. I’m still on the Mark Dantonio coaching train, he should not go anywhere. His staff, on the other hand, must go. There should be significant turnover within the coaching staff before the start of next season.

Cody White Looked Like A Pro

Cody White had two touchdown catches coming into this game. He tallied three touchdown receptions against Rutgers for five on the year and 11 in his career. White was walking human highlight reel. He made catch after catch, ending the game with 11 receptions and 136 yards.

White went above and beyond against Rutgers. A few catches were made on really bad passes from QB Brian Lewerke. MSU WR Darrell Stewart is out with injury. So, the Spartans really needed Cody White to step.

Here are all three of his touchdown receptions:

Hope For The Future?

Freshman RB Elijah Collins had a solid game against Rutgers. Granted, he has suffered from offensive line injuries. Nonetheless, Collins makes the most of every play. He is certainly the RB option of the future for Michigan State and that is a positive takeaway from this season.

Freshman Tre Mosley, sophomore Jalen Nailor, and Julian Barnett are incredibly intriguing for Michigan State’s future. Mosley has looked great so far when given chances. Barnett is rather impressive as a WR and has 10 receptions on the year. Lastly, Nailor returned from injury against Rutgers and played well. Nailor ended the game with 5 receptions and 27 yards.

Why bring them up? They are Michigan State’s future WR core. It is possible that MSU loses both Darrell Stewart and Cody White next year to the draft. This leaves MSU with the aforementioned players and WR C.J. Hayes. I think Dantonio should give all the younger receivers some snaps as the season winds down.

Michigan State Football is back in action next weekend on Nov. 30. The game kicks off at 3:30 P.M. and you can catch all the action on FS1.

Stay locked on SpartansWire for coverage of this game and all things MSU Football.

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Game Recap: Michigan State, Cody White torch Rutgers 27-0

Michigan State football trampled Rutgers 27-0 in an impressive performance. Here is a game recap with all the details you need.

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.

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.

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.

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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