(Recap from The Sports Network)
Evanston, IL – B.J. Cunningham hauled in a deflected pass for the go-ahead touchdown with two minutes remaining, as eighth-ranked Michigan State rallied to beat Northwestern, 35-27, at Ryan Field.
Kirk Cousins converted 29-of-43 throws for 329 yards and three touchdowns for the Spartans (8-0, 4-0 Big Ten), who overcame a 17-0 first-half deficit to win in head coach Mark Dantonio’s return to the sideline for the first time he suffered a mild heart attack hours after the September 18 game against Notre Dame.
Michigan State, which played outside its home state for the first time this season, is off to its best start in 44 years when the program opened 9-0.
Dan Persa ran for three touchdowns for the Wildcats (5-2, 1-2), who were idle last weekend after suffering a home loss to Purdue the previous week. Persa completed 18-of-29 passes for 187 yards and his final attempt was intercepted by MSU’s Eric Gordon, ending any chance of a Northwestern comeback.