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Michigan State spoils Northwestern’s perfect season with late field goal
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Michigan State has upset Northwestern, 29-20.
The Spartans jumped out to a 17-0 lead early in the seconds quarter and then were able to hold late to defeat the No. 8 Wildcats.
Northwestern came all the way back to take a 20-17 lead in the second half, but Michigan State kicker Matt Coghlin hit two clutch field goals to give his team the win.
Here’s what turned out to be the game-winner — a 48-yarder with under four minutes remaining.
.@MSU_Football is knocking on the door of a major upset late…
Matt Coghlin hits the latest huge kick in his career to give Sparty a 23-20 lead: pic.twitter.com/kP23aIVzqm
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) November 29, 2020
Michigan State tacked on a touchdown on the final play of the game as Northwestern’s lateral attempt ended up in its own end zone.
The Spartans’ defense was excellent in this game. They picked off Northwestern QB Peyton Ramsey twice and held the Wildcats to under 100 rushing yards.
Michigan State is now 2-3 on the season.
Northwestern is still likely to represent the Big Ten West in the conference championship game, but discussions of inclusion in the College Football Playoff are probably over.
Spenser is the news manager at Saturday Road and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.