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Rapid Reaction: Big plays a theme for Michigan State in blowout win over YSU
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When was the last time Michigan State’s offense could be considered electric?
That was the case in East Lansing on Saturday afternoon. The Spartans were wheeling and dealing all day against FCS foe Youngstown State, leading to a 42-14 win in MSU’s 2021 home opener. It was a great follow-up to a strong showing last week in Evanston, posting a 17-point win over Northwestern.
For the second-straight week, Michigan State scored on the first play of the game. Offensive coordinator Jay Johnson drew up a flea-flicker on the opening snap, which resulted in a 75-yard touchdown pass from Payton Thorne to Jayden Reed.
Seven minutes later, Thorne scored from 10 yards out to give Michigan State a 14-0 advantage in the first quarter.
Michigan State didn’t let up after that.
To open the second quarter, Thorne connected with Reed again on an 85-yard touchdown pass to put the Spartans ahead by three touchdowns. With both of those scoring plays coming in the first 30 minutes, Reed became the first B1G wide receiver since 2003 to notch multiple touchdown catches of 75 yards or longer.
A good portion of the scoring for Michigan State was over by halftime, taking a 35-7 lead into the locker room. Both teams scored a touchdown in the third quarter to close out the number of trips to the end zone.
Jordan Simmons was the leading rusher for Michigan State, totaling 121 yards on 16 carries. Kenneth Walker added 57 yards and a touchdown on 7 touches.
Thorne had a big day, completing 15-of-21 passes for 280 yards and 4 touchdowns. He didn’t have an interception for a second-straight game. Reed ended the afternoon with 181 yards and 2 touchdown grabs on just 4 receptions.
Michigan State’s defense showed up in a big way, too. The Spartans held Youngstown State to just XXX yards of offense and two trips into the end zone. The Penguins converted 8-of-20 tries on 3rd downs.
The end result wasn’t the surprise in East Lansing. Michigan State’s explosive play ability was a big storyline, though. It’s been quite some time since the Spartans flashed that kind of potential on that side of the ball.
It’s pretty refreshing.
Next week, the task gets much tougher. Michigan State will take a road trip to Miami to play the No. 22 Hurricanes. It’s the toughest opponent the Spartans have played to this point in the young season.
If Michigan State’s offense is clicking down in Florida, it could be a team to keep an eye on in the B1G.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB