Senior running back Gerald Holmes knew there was football still left to play this season, but following MSU’s 17-7 win over Maryland, it was hard for him not to recognize the meaning of Saturday's game.
Through heavy rain Saturday, MSU’s offense, led by a dominant rushing attack, charged down the field on the Spartans’ opening possession and found the end zone on an 11-play, 69-yard scoring drive that was capped off by a 2-yard rush by LJ Scott.
Through the rain, wintry mix and heavy snow, the Spartans’ run game rebounded from a dismal outing last weekend against Ohio State as No. 17 MSU defeated Maryland 17-7 Saturday in their last home game of the season.
The Spartans and fans had to endure another game where the weather unforgivingly played a role — but no matter. MSU took care of business winning its eight game of the year, defeating Maryland 17-7.
The Spartans no longer control their own destiny in the Big Ten Conference, but the team will look to send its seniors out on top in their last home game of their Spartan careers.
It’s been one memorable ride for MSU’s seniors. Whatever lies for MSU’s seniors upon conclusion of this season, they will have memories that will last a lifetime.
Despite the blowout loss to Ohio State, the Spartans are ranked No. 17 in the third College Football Playoff ranking.
Between the Spartans and Buckeyes, going into their marquee, top-15 matchup, there were a number of similarities. For one, the records were the same. A 7-2 overall mark, 5-1 in the Big Ten, a chance at the Big Ten East crown for the conference foes.
Unsurprisingly, after a startling, deflating 48-3 loss to Ohio State, the Spartans have fallen. Hard.
No. 12 MSU lost 48-3 to No. 13 Ohio State on Saturday in Columbus.
For all the Spartans have accomplished this year, between a bounceback from 3-9 and real aspirations of a Big Ten title, head coach Mark Dantonio has time and again made one aspect clear — MSU has not played its best game of the season yet.
Sam Metry, Souichi Terada and Colton Wood are back to talk about the joys of three and a half hour rain delays, Nick Bosa, and make their weekly Big Ten picks.
On Saturday, the Spartans face off against the Buckeyes on the road in Columbus, with the winner taking the lone spot at the top of the Big Ten East Division standings.
“It’s like a championship game; winner of this game controls their destiny, so it’s something we’re preaching,” linebacker Joe Bachie said. “We control our destiny throughout this whole month of November. So this is the next game, we got to go 1-0 this week.”
To better understand life in Ohio, The State News interviewed Colin Hass-Hill, sports editor for The Lantern, and asked him four questions on Ohio State football.
Shortly before the Spartans took to the field to face off against then-No. 7 Penn State last Saturday, MSU cornerback Josh Butler found out the news no child ever wants to hear. Butler’s father had passed away suddenly, leaving Butler in a state of shock and sadness.
The Spartans come in at No. 12 in the latest poll, joined by No. 13 Ohio State and No. 14 Penn State, the Big Ten East foes all bunched up together.
Last week, Matt Coghlin went 1-for-3 last week against Northwestern, with both missed field goals hitting the uprights, leaving crucial points on the board late in the game. Jump forward seven days to Saturday night and Coghlin is surrounded by his teammates after hitting a 32-yard field goal to tie it up 24-24, and hitting a 34-yard field goal as time expired to beat No. 7 Penn State, 27-24, and bring the Land-Grant Trophy back to East Lansing.
The hype train known as Saquon Barkley finally made its stop in East Lansing.