Oct 7, 2017; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans running back Madre London (28) rushes in the first half against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Photo Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Brian Lewerke ran for a touchdown and passed for another while the Michigan State defense forced five turnovers in a 14-10 upset of No. 7 Michigan on Saturday night at rain-soaked Michigan Stadium.
The last time the teams met here two years ago, Michigan State scored a spectacular last-play touchdown on Jalen Watts-Jackson’s 38-yard fumble return following an aborted Michigan punt. This time, the Spartans relied on their opportunistic defense, including two interceptions by safety David Dowell. Linebacker Joe Bachie also had an interception and forced a fumble for the Spartans (4-1 overall, 2-0 Big Ten).
Lewerke completed 11 of 22 passes for 94 yards. He also gained 61 yards on 15 carries. Madre London rushed for 59 yards on 10 carries and also caught two passes for 19 yards and a score.
The Spartans didn’t gain a first down in the second half until their last series, when they picked up two while trying to run out the clock.
Michigan quarterback John O’Korn, starting in place of injured Wilton Speight, threw three second-half interceptions. He completed 16 of 35 passes for 198 yards. Karan Higdon gained 65 yards on 12 carries for the Wolverines (4-1, 1-1).
O’Korn’s Hail Mary pass after the Wolverines reached the Spartans’ 37 fell incomplete on the game’s final play.
Khalid Hill’s 1-yard scoring run with 8:09 left in the third pulled Michigan within 14-10. That was the only scoring of the quarter, as rain rolled in and bogged down the action.
O’Korn was picked off on three straight possessions but the Spartans failed to cash in on any of them.
The Spartans led 14-3 at halftime.
Quinn Nordin’s 30-yard field goal completed Michigan’s first possession. The Spartans took advantage of a turnover later in the quarter to take the lead.
Bachie forced a Ty Isaac fumble and Chris Frey recovered at the Michigan 46. Lewerke scored from 14 yards out when he scrambled up the middle and dove into the end zone.
Michigan State drove 83 yards to make it 14-3 midway through the second quarter. A 30-yard pass from Lewerke to Darrell Stewart moved the Spartans into Michigan territory.
A perfectly executed screen pass from Lewerke to London finished it off. Lewerke faked two handoffs before tossing the ball to London, who followed blockers into the end zone on the 16-yard play.
The Wolverines had a 55-yard touchdown pass wiped out by holding penalty on their next possession.
NOTES: The Wolverines now lead the all-time series 69-36-5 but the Spartans have won eight of the last 10 matchups. … Michigan State has defeated Michigan 11 times when the Wolverines were ranked in the Top 10 but it hadn’t happened since 2001. … The Spartans head to Minnesota next Saturday for another night game while the Wolverines face Indiana on the road. … Michigan State has already used 13 true freshmen, the most since Mark Dantonio became head coach in 2007.
