Michigan State has struggled with pesky Youngstown State in its season opener, holding a slim 14-6 lead at halftime.
Le’Veon Bell and Larry Caper both rushed for first half touchdowns for MSU, but Youngstown State did not appear impressed.
After Caper punched in a 6-yard score three minutes into the second quarter to put MSU up 7-0, YSU quarterback Kurt Hess led the Penguins down the field, finding Jelani Berassa to cut the score to 7-6. David Brown’s extra point was blocked
On the Spartans’ next drive, quarterback Kirk Cousins found B.J. Cunningham for a 55-yard bomb on the very first play. Bell found the end zone shortly after to regain the MSU advantage.
First half stats
Passing
Cousins, MSU: 7/9, 123 yards
Hess, YSU: 10/19, 83 yards, touchdown
Rushing
Edwin Baker, MSU: 7 carries, 50 yards
Bell, MSU: 3 carries, 19 yards, touchdown
Jamaine Cook, YSU: 15 carries, 69 yards