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Rapid Reaction: Monster performance by Cody White helps MSU end skid with win over Rutgers
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Final Score: Michigan State 27, Rutgers 0
Brief Recap: Well, the start of the game may have been a bit sluggish, but Michigan State finally kicked it into gear and put some of its struggles behind them. The Spartans were stopped on downs twice and missed a field goal in the first half but still managed to carry a 17-0 lead into the half. From there, they were able to stifle Rutgers all afternoon and rolled to a comfortable win behind Brian Lewerke and Cody White.
Key Moment: In a game that Michigan State controlled from the first kickoff, the key moment came on the final drive before the half. Holding a 10-point lead, Lewerke led the offense on a 77-yard drive in under two minutes. He capped the drive with a 16-yard touchdown to Cody White with just 32 seconds left in the half. Though the Scarlet Knights never put pressure on Michigan State, pushing the lead to 17 points before the break was the backbreaker the Spartans needed to cruise in the second half.
Key Stat: 0-for-11, Rutgers’ (lack of) conversion rate on third down. The Scarlet Knights struggled to move the ball all afternoon, a recurring theme throughout this season. Rutgers only managed 140 yards of offense in the game and failing to convert on a single third down only magnified the struggles offensively.
Key Player: Though Lewerke was the one throwing the ball, the key player has to go to Michigan State WR Cody White. He had 11 catches for 136 yards and three touchdowns against Rutgers. White accounted for every MSU touchdown on the afternoon and was a big part of the rout.
What it Means for Michigan State: For Mark Dantonio and the Spartans, they have a chance to reach six wins in the season finale. Doing so would give Michigan State another bowl game and a shot to reach a winning season.
What it Means for Rutgers: Has Greg Schiano been hired yet?
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.