Michigan State football: Grading the Spartans after win over Purdue

Michigan State’s list of injured players heading into Saturday’s game with Purdue was off-the-charts lengthy. No starting quarterback, veteran receivers out, linemen still shuffling spots — that all added up to disaster.

Or it simply didn’t matter one bit.

Michigan State shook all that off to beat a feisty Purdue team Saturday, winning 23-13 in East Lansing. It was another great performance when it was least expected.

Here’s what I liked — and didn’t like (maybe) — about the Spartans’ win over Purdue:

What I liked

Showing grit once again in fourth quarter

Purdue has been scoring a ton of points on everyone lately, including No. 2 Ohio State a week ago when they hung 49 on the previously unbeaten Buckeyes. But Michigan State shut them out in the fourth quarter, and held them to a season-low 13 points overall in pulling off the big win. It was reminiscent of the big win at Penn State a few weeks ago, when the defense shut down the Nittany Lions and allowed the MSU offense to score late for a win. This team, even with its back to the wall and all banged up, simply refuses to give in. And that defense, they don’t break. To be honest, barely even bent. Especially in the fourth quarter.

Rocky Lombardi gets signature first win

Rocky Lombardi filled in for Brian Lewerke Saturday, and he was tremendous. He was 26-for-46 for 318 yards and two touchdowns and he looked very comfortable back there all day long subbing for Lewerke, who was out with an injured throwing shoulder. You’ve got to give credit to the Michigan State coaches for having faith in Lombardi and letting him throw that much. You don’t usually see that many attempts from a first-time starter. Heck, you usually don’t even see Lewerke do that. He’s had more than 46 attempts in only five of his 24 appearances with the starters. Lombardi was so good that it will make for an interesting debate going forward. After Saturday, it seems like he’s earned the right to keep playing.

Secondary won the day vs. QB David Blough

David Blough arrived in East Lansing on a major hot streak for Purdue. The senior quarterback had 13 touchdown passes in his previous five games and had a huge notch on his belt with the win over Ohio State. But Michigan State’s secondary was up to the task, blanketed Boilermakers wide receivers for much of the day. Their tight coverage forced Blough to take some risks, and  that led to three interceptions by Matt Morrissey, Tyriq Thompson and David Dowell. A stout pass rush certainly helped as well, but these guys along the back — guys who have been criticized for much of the year for giving up a boat-load of yards — came up big on Saturday. It was a satisfying performance.

What I didn’t like

This week, the “What I didn’t like” department is closed. (Touche!) Yes, I heard the complaining last week when I closed the “What I like” department after the ugly loss to Michigan. So this is only fair play. That was a huge win for the Spartans, one that certainly had to be very enjoyable for them.

Tom Brew

Tom Brew has been a recognized reporter in Big Ten sports for decades. Among other projects, he writes about Big Ten football for Saturday Tradition.