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What Mel Tucker said after Michigan State’s win over Miami
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The Michigan State Spartans got a huge win on the road versus the No. 24 Miami Hurricanes. This was a game where the momentum swung in several directions throughout the entire game.
After a scoreless first quarter, Miami took a 7-3 lead in the second quarter before Michigan State ultimately went into halftime with a 10-7 lead. Michigan State extended their lead with an 11-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Payton Thorne to wide receiver Jaylen Reed to extend the 17-7 lead. Shortly after the touchdown, the defense for Michigan State allows a quick touchdown to cut their lead 17-14.
Michigan State brought the lead back to 10 points before allowing a big 55-yard field goal that gave Miami back the momentum. The Hurricanes were starting to create a drive off a targeting penalty from Michigan State, but a forced fumble from defensive end Drew Breesley and recovered by defensive end Jacub Panaiuk killed any momentum Miami had.
Michigan scored two touchdowns in the final fours minutes and 12 seconds in the game as they outscored Miami 21-3. Michigan State barely outgained Miami in total yards accounted for 454-to-440, but Michigan State’s defense forced four turnovers from Miami. Hurricanes quarterback D’Eriq King threw two interceptions and had a fumble.
This win over Miami was the biggest win of the 2021 season for Michigan State. This game makes Michigan State 3-2 against ranked opponents in the second season with Mel Tucker as head coach.
Tucker on wearing down Miami in the Florida heat: “We wanted to drag them into the deep water where we live, with the strain and the struggle and the pressure.”
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) September 18, 2021
Tucker cites MSU fan turnout in Miami and cautions about how Nebraska fans next week will try to take over Spartan Stadium.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) September 18, 2021
Mel Tucker opens presser by calling it a good team win against a good opponent.
— Matt Wenzel (@mwenzel2) September 18, 2021
Tucker said the mindset was to win the game in the 15th round, gives big thanks to the fans who showed up.
— Matt Wenzel (@mwenzel2) September 18, 2021
Tucker: “What does that say about our program? It’s a marker for where we are right now.” Says there is “no flinching” with the Spartans, and they were able to take what they do in practice to the game. “It’s going to reinforce all the things that we preach.”
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) September 18, 2021
Tucker on Walker: “When you’re defending him, you have to be exactly where you’re supposed to be, or he’s going to make plays on you.”
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) September 18, 2021
Tucker: “As you can see, Kenneth Walker is not just an average player. He’s a difference-maker.”
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) September 18, 2021
Tucker: "Our fans were tremendous. Spartan nation was strong down in Miami. We could feel it."
— Stephen Brooks (@StephenM_Brooks) September 18, 2021