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Rapid Reaction: Michigan State rides brilliant first half to win over Western Kentucky
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Final Score: Western Kentucky 31, No. 17 Michigan State 48
Brief Recap: Michigan State had its best half since 2014 against Western Kentucky, but the Spartans still needed some first downs late to secure the win. Mel Tucker’s squad opened the game with 42 first-half points behind incredible work from Kenneth Walker III and Jayden Reed. But a conservative approach in the second half allowed the Western Kentucky offense into the game late.
Fortunately, Michigan State turned in a sustained drive down the field after WKU had cut the lead to 14 points in the fourth quarter. That drive ate away at the clock while putting the Spartans in position for the game-sealing field goal.
Key Player: It’s hard to choose from the trio of offensive standouts in QB Payton Thorne, RB Kenneth Walker III, and WR Jayden Reed. All 3 provided key plays and big moments for the Spartan offense. However, we’re going with Walker as he continues to be a big driving force to the success of Michigan State. That was no different this week as he produced 126 yards on the ground and 3 scores. That work included one impressive score that included a jump over a defender and a dive for the pylon.
Key Moment: With just over 8 minutes to go in the game, the Hilltoppers scored to make it a 14-point game and keep things close. A quick stop by the WKU defense would have put pressure on the Spartans with a lot of time left and just a two-possession lead. Fortunately, Michigan State responded with a long drive deep into WKU territory and finished the drive off with an FG.
Key Stat: 192, team rushing yards for the Spartans. By comparison, the Hilltoppers were held to 68 yards rushing. That comparison in rushing yards helped the Spartans eat away just enough clock to keep an upset out of reach.
What it means moving forward: Western Kentucky is far from a Group of 5 pushover, taking Indiana to the wire in Week 4. The Spartans got off to a great start and put all the pressure of the game back on the Hilltoppers. At the end of the day, Michigan State rode a hot start all the way to the finish, moving to 5-0 in the process. It will be tempting for fans to look ahead as the October schedule is favorable, but Mel Tucker and company will need to refocus for Week 6. The Spartans get Rutgers and Indiana over the next two weeks before a bye.
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.