The defense rolls in the first half against the CMU

Run the game

In the absence of Scott, MSU uses Lewerke as a racer with sophomore Connor Heyward and real freshman La'Darius Jefferson to play 105 yards in the half. Jefferson ran strong and powerful through the tackles, leading the Spartans with 42 yards in eight runs. Lewerke had 23 yards in six attempts while Heyward had 27 yards in eight runs. MSU also used freshman Redshirt Weston Bridges. The block was decent enough to open holes and create lanes, but Lewerke was sacked once and hit again.

Dominant Defense

The defense of the Spartans continues to shine. CMU has 5 yards on the ground and 77 yards at half-time, and the MSU defense line tears the Chippewa's offensive line and puts pressure on quarterback Tommy Lazzaro. The MSU got two Lazzaro sacks to finish the half and got three at halftime. Kenny Willekes has 1.5 bags, and the Spartans have sent Lazzaro four more times.

Atonement

Security of the MSU David Dowell inflicted a penalty for bad pass interference, rushing to a point without looking for the ball, and then slipping on a CMU receiver on the sideline. However, the junior answered three times later than the first TD of MSU. And Justin Layne had a late interception to set up Matt Coghlin's 33-yard FG with 29 seconds left in the half.