Michigan State’s top-ranked defense turned in another dominating performance, and it was more necessity than luxury as the Spartans ground out a 14-0 win in cold, wet conditions.
Purdue vs. Michigan State 2013 final score: Sparty defense dominant yet again
Michigan State logs its first shutout of 2013 as the Spartans move to 6-1 (3-0) with a 14-0 victory.
Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
The game’s first touchdown came on a 45-yard fumble recovery by star linebacker Denicos Allen after fellow backer nailed Purdue quarterback Danny Etling on a blitz, and that was all the Spartans needed for the win. The Spartan offense did eventually get on the board itself, with a trick play pass from receiver Tony Lippett to backup tight end Andrew Gleichert with nine minutes left in the game.
Purdue had some mild successes over the course of the game, but two Paul Griggs field goal attempts into the wind fell short, preserving the Spartans’ shutout and making MSU’s fourth-quarter touchdown a clincher.
Box Score Hero: It’s hard to find heroes in a football game that struggled to hit 400 combined yards from scrimmage, but credit is due to MSU’s Jeremy Langford, who is emerging as a workhorse in the Spartan offense and logged 131 yards on 24 carries.
Rankings Ramifications: Michigan State just keeps on winning, and 6-1 (3-0) with a nationally relevant defense ought to be enough to put Sparty in the Top 25 this Sunday.
But Did They Cover? Michigan State was favored by as many as 28 points as the line shot up over the course of the week, so ... hey hey, moral victory, Purdue!
For More On This Game: Michigan State’s community is at The Only Colors, while you can read about Purdue at Hammer and Rails. For all things Big Ten, read Off Tackle Empire.
Next Week’s Schedule: Michigan State travels to Illinois next week while Purdue must face Ohio State in West Lafayette.
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