"It comes down to being clutch. We talk about that every single day in our meetings. ... So when we get put in those type of change situations or we’re giving up third downs, make them play another play. Make them snap another down. So, thats our mindset. Really, just don’t let them get a touchdown.” 

Earlier in the week, Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio gave his defense a challenge to play perfect in Saturday's matchup at Northwestern.

Well, less than 10 minutes into the game, that was already in danger.

Michigan State's defense held the Wildcats to a three-and-out on their first possession of the game. But, on the ensuing punt, Cody White lost the ball while trying to make a move and Northwestern recovered deep in MSU territory. The Wildcats drove the ball all the way to the goal line and had three chances to score.

That's when Michigan State's defense morphed into a brick wall. The Spartans stuffed the Wildcats on three-consecutive run plays to help lead them to a 31-10 victory to open up conference play.

“That wins big games," Joe Bachie said after the game. "On the road you need stops like that, and we were able to do that, so that was huge.” 

On first-and-goal, Northwestern running back Isaiah Bowser carried the ball six yards down to the one. It looked as if he may have gotten into the end zone, but review confirmed he was stopped short.

The Wildcats called Bowser's number on second-and-goal. But, as he dove through the air, he was met by Bachie and sent flying backwards. Bowser got the hand-off again on third-and-goal. And this time, it was Xavier Henderson coming up to make the stop.

On fourth-and-goal, the Wildcats ran the option. Quarterback Hunter Johnson kept the ball and was dragged down by Illinois-native Mike Panasiuk.

Turnover on downs.

“Personally me, as being the brute guy or whatever you want to call it on the team, on defensive line, I take a lot of pride in the goal line," Panasiuk said. "I preach to those guys every day to get low and just keep driving your feet. I went out there, did that and was able to make that play.” 

It was a tone-setter that, at the time, preserved Michigan State's 7-0 lead and set up the Spartans' strong defensive performance for the rest of the afternoon.

“That’s really like a turnover to me," Dantonio said. "They reviewed it, didn’t get in and then we stopped them, I believe two more times. Huge stop. ... That sort of sets the tone for the entire game.” 

Dantonio is discrediting his defense. They made three stops and deserve all of the recognition.

“It was huge," Bachie said. "A sudden-change situation, which we try to pride ourselves on. If they score that touchdown, maybe on that goal line, it might be a completely different ball game. So we did a great job defensively, made some great calls and got a lot of penetration.” 

Michigan State's defense gave up only 265 yards of offense to the Wildcats and forced three turnovers — interceptions by Josiah Scott, Drew Beesley and Bachie.

But, because the Spartans gave up 10 points, they weren't perfect. However, there is no doubt that the defense was clutch.

“The entire off-season, all through spring ball, all through camp, one of our focuses as a defense was being clutch, performing well in clutch situations," senior linebacker Tyriq Thompson said.

"Obviously in the fourth quarter, third down, but definitely the red zone, goal line situations. It’s one of those clutch moments so that’s something we worked on all off-season. We were pretty confident in our ability to get the job done with that.”