In spite of the uncomfortably close score, Michigan State’s front seven put up impressive numbers. Led by senior linebacker Jacoby Windmon's four sacks and three TFLs, the Spartans earned seven sacks and 11 TFLs on the night.

Redshirt sophomore running back Jalen Berger provided a bright spot on offense, finishing with 120 yards and a touchdown on 16 attempts.

Redshirt junior quarterback Payton Thorne threw for 233 yards, tossing four touchdowns and an interception in the process.

Senior safety Xavier Henderson and junior linebacker Darius Snow exited the game early due to undisclosed injuries. 

Things weren’t exactly promising for Michigan State in the opening minutes. Two straight three-and-outs and some soft coverage from the secondary gave Western Michigan an early 3-0 lead.

Michigan State’s offense finally found its footing thanks to an unlikely source: freshman wide receiver Germie Bernard. In the first offensive snap of his collegiate career, Bernard corralled a high pass from Thorne and blitzed past the defender to the end zone. 

The freshman’s touchdown swung the momentum violently in the Spartans' favor. Forcing the Broncos to a three-and-out, Michigan State’s offense got to work quickly. Graduate transfer tight end Daniel Barker capped off MSU’s drive with a stellar one-handed, 13-yard touchdown reception. 

The Spartan defense forced another three-and-out, giving the red-hot offense another shot to extend the lead. Sophomore wide receiver Keon Coleman did just that, taking the top off the Broncos defense for his second career touchdown. 

Following the three straight touchdown drives, Michigan State’s offense cooled down. Defensively, however, the Spartans smothered WMU, holding the visitors to just three points at the half. 

Michigan State’s first quarter woes returned in the third quarter. A solid drive was cut short thanks to a fumble from Berger. Western Michigan took full advantage of the error thanks to a 65-yard run and four-yard touchdown from junior running back Sean Taylor. 

After an offensive drive resulting in a missed field goal, MSU’s defense started to look out of sorts as well. Western marched down the field as freshman quarterback Jack Salopek sliced up the Spartans secondary. However, thanks in part to a pair of penalties, the Bronco’s offense stalled out and the visitors settled for three. 

At 21-13, Michigan State found itself in a one-score game with the visitors from the MAC. On their second offensive drive of the quarter, the Spartans gained some breathing room thanks to Coleman and Berger. Just a couple of plays after a 26-yard reception from Coleman, Berger raced through the Western Michigan defense for a 50-yard gain, immediately flipping field position. The Wisconsin transfer put an exclamation point on the drive by punching in a one-yard touchdown, making it 28-13 with just over six minutes left in the game.

Just a few minutes later, redshirt junior wide receiver Tre Mosley's 43-yard touchdown stifled any chance of a Western Michigan win.