After marked improvement the past two weeks offensively, MSU took a 7-0 lead into the locker room against Purdue in a half oddly reminiscent of the lackluster performances that opened the season.
MSU was billed as a heavy favorite heading into the contest against the 1-5 Boilermakers.
The Spartan offense came out revving its engine on the first drive, feeding junior running back Jeremy Langford three straight plays while employing unbalanced formations with multiple offensive linemen. Langford ran for 30 yards, but the drive stalled when freshman wide receiver R.J. Shelton was stopped for a loss on an end-around and sophomore quarterback Connor Cook misfired on the third-down pass.
Senior linebacker Max Bullough smashed Purdue quarterback Danny Etling, forcing a fumble which senior linebacker Denicos Allen returned 45 yards for the score five minutes into the second quarter.
Etling was intercepted on the Boilermakers’ second drive by senior safety Isaiah Lewis, but MSU couldn’t capitalize on the turnover. The Spartan offense never regained the brief stride it found on the opening possession in the half.
The Boilermakers had a chance to cut into the deficit right before halftime, but kicker Paul Griggs missed from 51 yards out.
Cook has 21 yards on six completions and Langford has eight carries for 52 yards to pace MSU.
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