This was the first time MSU has played in Detroit proper since 1944. That year, they beat Wayne State at the since demolished University of Detroit Stadium, 32-0. Sparty supporters missed superior performances by running backs Edwin Baker and Le’Veon Bell. Baker broke the game open with an 80 yard touchdown run in the third quarter.
The big Spartan weapon was kicker Dan Conroy. He hit field goals of 44, 41and 50 yards. Wide receiver Keshawn Martin was a special teams threat with a 47 yard punt return. Martin finished the day with 204 all-purpose yards.
Spartan quarterback Kirk Cousins only managed to direct 1-of-7 third down conversions, something that will have to improve to make the Spartans contenders. Cousins was 9-16 on passing with one TD pass.
The MSU defense came up big when it had to. The Spartan linebackers also had a big day. Eric Gordon had 10 tackles and Greg Jones and Chris Norman each had nine. Gordon also had a sack.
After the game MSU coach Mark Dantonio said, “We did a good job keeping them out of the end zone. So that was a positive.”
Next week is Notre Dame in East Lansing at 8:00 PM.
Said Dantonio about Notre Dame week, “This is one of the reasons that you come to Michigan State, to play games like this. There is history, there is tradition and we are going to have a lot of emotion this week.”
The crowd was announced at 36,124 but it was much lighter. By the way, Wayne State won this weekend over Tiffin, 63-14.
Le’Veon Bell of MSU runs for yardage as big Kevin Cyrille of FAU zeroes in on the tackle. The Spartans wore down the Owls, 30-17 at Detroits’ Ford Field.
Photo by Johnathon Knight/ROLCO SPORTS NETWORK