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Michigan State trailed for all but eight minutes against Indiana on Saturday, but they found a way to win, 31-27, anyway. The Spartans improved to 4-2 with the win, and Indiana drops to 2-3 after the disappointing loss.
Indiana took the lead just over a minute into the game when Cameron Coffman found Cody Latimer for a 33-yard touchdown pass. They added a field goal before Coffman found Ted Bolser for the Hoosiers' second touchdown of the day. After one quarter of play, the Hoosiers led 17-0.
Michigan State looked better to start the second quarter, as Le'Veon Bell capped the Spartans first scoring drive of the game with a two-yard touchdown run. They'd cut the deficit to just three on their next drive, as Andrew Maxwell hit Larry Caper for a 15-yard score.
After Coffman found Shane Wynn for another Indiana touchdown, the Hoosiers would surprise MSU and recover an onside kick. They'd add a field goal to stretch the lead to 27-14 at halftime.
The third quarter was largely a defensive struggle, but Dan Conroy connected on a 46-yard field goal to cut the deficit to 10. Le'Veon Bell ran in his second touchdown of the day early in the fourth quarter, and Maxwell then found Bennie Fowler to give the Spartans the lead for the first time in the game. They'd hold on to win 31-27 despite their terrible start to the game.
Box Score Hero: The Spartans leaned heavily on Le'Veon Bell to help take control in the second half. He ended the day with 121 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Aaron Burbridge added 134 yards on eight receptions for MSU.
Rankings Ramifications: Michigan State dropped just outside of the Top 25 last week, and the win against Indiana could be enough to see them climb back into the rankings.
But Did They Cover? MSU was favored by 15, so they did not cover the spread. The over/under was set at 49 points, so those taking the over will be pleased.
For More On This Game: For more on Hoosiers football, visit Indiana blog The Crimson Quarry. For more on Spartans football, visit Michigan State blog The Only Colors, plus Big Ten blog Off Tackle Empire and SB Nation Detroit.
Next Week's Schedule: Michigan State will host the Iowa Hawkeyes on October 13, while the Hoosiers will also be in action next Saturday when they host Ohio State.
