SB Nation Detroit - Michigan State vs. Indiana: Spartans stage road comeback against Hoosiershttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48919/detroit-fave.png2012-10-07T12:56:07-04:00http://detroit.sbnation.com/rss/stream/32119752012-10-07T12:56:07-04:002012-10-07T12:56:07-04:00Michigan back in AP Top 25 with win
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<figcaption>Mike DiNovo-US PRESSWIRE - Presswire</figcaption>
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<p>A dominant road win over Purdue puts Michigan back in the AP Top 25 at No. 25.</p> <p>After an impressive 44-13 win over Purdue on Saturday, the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/michigan-wolverines" class="sbn-auto-link">Michigan Wolverines</a> are now back in the AP Top 25 at No. 25 two weeks after falling out of the rankings.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/76856/denard-robinson" class="sbn-auto-link">Denard Robinson</a> ran for 235 yards in the game and passed for 105 yards, but Michigan's defense was most impressive. The Wolverines forced four turnovers and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134809/raymon-taylor" class="sbn-auto-link">Raymon Taylor</a> returned an interception 63 yards for a touchdown.</p>
<p>The Michigan State Spartans, who fell out of the rankings last week, remain unranked despite beating Indiana on Saturday.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2012/10/7/3468536/college-football-rankings-2012-week-7-ap-top-25">Here are the complete rankings</a>:</p>
<p>1. Alabama</p>
<p>2. Oregon</p>
<p>3. South Carolina</p>
<p>4. Florida</p>
<p>5. West Virginia</p>
<p>6. Kansas State</p>
<p>7. Notre Dame</p>
<p>8. Ohio State</p>
<p>9. LSU</p>
<p>10. Oregon State</p>
<p>11. USC</p>
<p>12. Florida State</p>
<p>13. Oklahoma</p>
<p>14. Georgia</p>
<p>15. Texas</p>
<p>16. Clemson</p>
<p>17. Stanford</p>
<p>18. Louisville</p>
<p>19. Mississippi State</p>
<p>20. Rutgers</p>
<p>21. Cincinnati</p>
<p>22. Texas A&M</p>
<p>23. Louisiana Tech</p>
<p>24. Boise State</p>
<p>25. Michigan</p>
https://detroit.sbnation.com/michigan-football/2012/10/7/3468918/ncaa-football-rankings-2012-week-7-ap-top-25Patrick Hayes2012-10-07T12:02:25-04:002012-10-07T12:02:25-04:00Spartans prove their comeback ability Saturday
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<p>The Michigan State Spartans needed a fourth-quarter comeback to barely edge out the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/indiana-hoosiers" class="sbn-auto-link">Indiana Hoosiers</a> Saturday, 31-27.</p>
<p>The Spartans found themselves down 17 points early to the Hoosiers but staged a steady comeback, capped off by an <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77183/andrew-maxwell" class="sbn-auto-link">Andrew Maxwell</a> 36-yard touchdown pass with just over six minutes remaining. Indiana is by no means the toughest competition Michigan State will face this season, but, as written by Chris Vannini of SB Nation's Michigan State blog, <a href="http://www.theonlycolors.com/2012/10/6/3465446/msu-31-indiana-27-reaction-thread">The Only Colors</a>, it is important that this team proved their ability to win coming from behind.</p>
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<p><b>We know this team can make a comeback:</b> Sure, it was the worst defense in the Big Ten, but it was also the second-best offense, statistically. The only other time MSU fell behind multiple scores was Notre Dame, so at least the players now can believe in themselves to stick around in a game. This tied for the largest comeback in the Dantonio era (with that 2010 Northwestern game).</p>
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<p>Michigan State looks to carry the momentum from Saturday's victory into their contest next Saturday with the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/iowa-hawkeyes" class="sbn-auto-link">Iowa Hawkeyes</a>.</p>
https://detroit.sbnation.com/michigan-state-football/2012/10/7/3468476/indiana-michigan-state-2012-reactionJack Cassidy2012-10-06T16:13:15-04:002012-10-06T16:13:15-04:00Michigan State comes back to top Indiana 31-27
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<figcaption>Gregory Shamus - Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Michigan State went down by 17 early on Saturday, but came back to win 31-27 over Indiana.</p> <p>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.</p>
<p>Indiana took the lead just over a minute into the game when <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/159269/cameron-coffman" class="sbn-auto-link">Cameron Coffman</a> found <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134739/cody-latimer" class="sbn-auto-link">Cody Latimer</a> for a 33-yard touchdown pass. They added a field goal before Coffman found <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/76407/ted-bolser" class="sbn-auto-link">Ted Bolser</a> for the Hoosiers' second touchdown of the day. After one quarter of play, the Hoosiers led 17-0.</p>
<p>Michigan State looked better to start the second quarter, as <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113936/le-veon-bell" class="sbn-auto-link">Le'Veon Bell</a> 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 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77183/andrew-maxwell" class="sbn-auto-link">Andrew Maxwell</a> hit <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77193/larry-caper" class="sbn-auto-link">Larry Caper</a> for a 15-yard score.</p>
<p>After Coffman found <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134738/shane-wynn" class="sbn-auto-link">Shane Wynn</a> 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.</p>
<p>The third quarter was largely a defensive struggle, but <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36752/dan-conroy" class="sbn-auto-link">Dan Conroy</a> 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 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77187/bennie-fowler" class="sbn-auto-link">Bennie Fowler</a> 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.</p>
<p><b>Box Score Hero: </b>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. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/159800/aaron-burbridge" class="sbn-auto-link">Aaron Burbridge</a> added 134 yards on eight receptions for MSU.</p>
<p><b>Rankings Ramifications: </b>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.</p>
<p><b>But Did They Cover? </b>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.</p>
<p><b>For More On This Game: </b>For more on Hoosiers football, visit <a href="http://crimsonquarry.com">Indiana blog The Crimson Quarry</a>. For more on Spartans football, visit <a href="http://theonlycolors.com">Michigan State blog The Only Colors</a>, plus <a href="http://offtackleempire.com">Big Ten blog Off Tackle Empire</a> and <a href="http://detroit.sbnation.com">SB Nation Detroit</a>.</p>
<p><b>Next Week's Schedule: </b>Michigan State will host the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/iowa-hawkeyes" class="sbn-auto-link">Iowa Hawkeyes</a> on October 13, while the Hoosiers will also be in action next Saturday when they host Ohio State.</p>
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https://detroit.sbnation.com/michigan-state-football/2012/10/6/3465636/michigan-state-vs-indiana-final-score-recapEric Stephen2012-10-06T14:51:54-04:002012-10-06T14:51:54-04:00Spartans continue to trail after three quarters
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<p>Michigan State continues to struggle against the Indiana defense, trailing 27-17 after three quarters of play. The Spartans fell behind 17-0 after a terrible start to the game, and while their defense has come to life, they'll need to get the offense going if they want to avoid dropping to 3-3 on the season.</p>
<p>The Spartans got the ball to start the second half, driving down the field to cut into the Hoosier lead. Andrew Maxwell and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113936/le-veon-bell" class="sbn-auto-link">Le'Veon Bell</a> led MSU into field goal range, but they stalled after getting the ball to the Indiana 29-yard line. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36752/dan-conroy" class="sbn-auto-link">Dan Conroy</a> made a 46-yard field goal to cut the deficit to 10, with the Spartans trailing 27-17.</p>
<p>The rest of the third quarter was a defensive struggle, as the two teams exchanged punts. The Spartans will need to improve on third down to catch the Hoosiers, having converted just three through the first three quarters on Saturday.</p>
https://detroit.sbnation.com/michigan-state-football/2012/10/6/3465132/indiana-michigan-state-2012-results-scoreStephen Schmidt2012-10-06T13:49:26-04:002012-10-06T13:49:26-04:00Spartans defense struggling to stop Indiana
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<p>Michigan State got on the scoreboard in the second quarter, but they still trail at the half by a score of 27-14. The Spartans gave up 105 yards on penalties in the first half, and they haven't defended well enough to overcome their sloppy play.</p>
<p>MSU started the quarter well, when <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77183/andrew-maxwell" class="sbn-auto-link">Andrew Maxwell</a> hit <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113933/tony-lippett" class="sbn-auto-link">Tony Lippett</a> for 27 yards on the second play of the quarter. Completions to Aaron Burnbridge and Keith Mumphery got the ball inside the Indiana 10-yard line, and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113936/le-veon-bell" class="sbn-auto-link">Le'Veon Bell</a> pounded the ball into the end zone from two yards out to make it 17-7.</p>
<p>After forcing the Hoosiers to go three and out on their next possession, Andrew Maxwell led the Spartans down the field for a second touchdown of the quarter. Maxwell connected with <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77193/larry-caper" class="sbn-auto-link">Larry Caper</a> for the 15-yard score, cutting the Indiana lead to 17-14.</p>
<p>Indiana pushed the lead back to 10 on their next possession, as <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/159269/cameron-coffman" class="sbn-auto-link">Cameron Coffman</a> found <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134738/shane-wynn" class="sbn-auto-link">Shane Wynn</a> for a 16-yard touchdown. After surprising the Spartans and recovering an onside kick, the Hoosiers added a field goal to make it 27-14 heading into halftime.</p>
<p>Michigan State kicked off to start the game, so they will get the ball back to start the second half. They'll need to improve their pass defense if they want to avoid falling to 3-3, allowing 256 yards through the air in the first half.</p>
https://detroit.sbnation.com/michigan-state-football/2012/10/6/3464752/indiana-michigan-state-2012-results-scoreStephen Schmidt2012-10-06T13:00:18-04:002012-10-06T13:00:18-04:00Spartans struggling to stop the Indiana offense
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<p>Michigan State has struggled to slow down the Indiana passing game, and they trail 17-0 after a quarter of play. The Hoosiers have already thrown for 172 yards, and the Spartans have helped them out with an additional 60 yards of penalties.</p>
<p>Indiana received the ball to start the game, and they needed just over a minute to open the scoring. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/159269/cameron-coffman" class="sbn-auto-link">Cameron Coffman</a> found <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134739/cody-latimer" class="sbn-auto-link">Cody Latimer</a> for 33 yards on 3rd and 2, and three plays later he found <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134741/stephen-houston" class="sbn-auto-link">Stephen Houston</a> for a 19-yard touchdown strike.</p>
<p>Indiana added a field goal later in the quarter, taking advantage of a pair of 15-yard penalties from the Spartans to move into range for <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/76395/mitch-ewald" class="sbn-auto-link">Mitch Ewald</a> to make it 10-0.</p>
<p>The Hoosiers weren't done, as Cameron Coffman threw for another touchdown before the end of the quarter to make it 17-0. After finding <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113738/kofi-hughes" class="sbn-auto-link">Kofi Hughes</a> for 39 yards to get Indiana into Spartan territory, Coffman picked out <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/76407/ted-bolser" class="sbn-auto-link">Ted Bolser</a> running down the left sideline for the 21-yard touchdown pass.</p>
<p>Michigan State will need to slow Cameron Coffman and reduce the penalties if they want to cut into the deficit. Stay tuned to this storystream for more updates on the game.</p>
https://detroit.sbnation.com/michigan-state-football/2012/10/6/3464558/indiana-michigan-state-2012-results-scoreStephen Schmidt2012-10-06T08:01:38-04:002012-10-06T08:01:38-04:00Spartans try to continue dominance of Indiana
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<figcaption>Mike Carter-US PRESSWIRE - Presswire</figcaption>
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<p>The Michigan State football team tries to get back on track against Indiana at noon Saturday.</p> <p>Coming off a loss to Ohio State that dropped the Michigan State Spartans out of the top 25, MSU looks to get back on track against the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/indiana-hoosiers" class="sbn-auto-link">Indiana Hoosiers</a> at noon Saturday on the Big Ten Network. Michigan State beat Indiana 55-3 last season.</p>
<p>The Spartans are 3-2 this season and have had problems mustering a passing game to balance the rushing attack of <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113936/le-veon-bell" class="sbn-auto-link">Le'Veon Bell</a> this season. Bell has rushed for 655 yards and five touchdowns this season, Michigan State has produced just four passing touchdowns total this season. Despite last week's loss to Ohio State, Maxwell had some success moving the ball through the air, passing for 269 yards (his second highest total of the season) and a touchdown.</p>
<p>Indiana is currently 2-2 on the season and dropped its Big Ten opener 44-29 to Northwestern last week. Indiana uses two quarterbacks, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/159269/cameron-coffman" class="sbn-auto-link">Cameron Coffman</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/159273/nate-sudfeld">Nate Sudfeld</a>. They've combined for nearly 900 yards passing and six touchdowns with only one interception. The Hoosiers rotate three running backs -- <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/134741/stephen-houston" class="sbn-auto-link">Stephen Houston</a>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/143138/d-angelo-roberts" class="sbn-auto-link">D'Angelo Roberts</a><span class="sbn-auto-link"> and</span> <span class="sbn-auto-link"></span><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/159272/tevin-coleman" class="sbn-auto-link">Tevin Coleman</a>.</p>
<p>Michigan State is <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/odds">currently favored by 16 points</a>.</p>
https://detroit.sbnation.com/michigan-state-football/2012/10/6/3457812/indiana-michigan-state-2012-schedule-game-time-spreadPatrick Hayes2012-10-05T16:27:59-04:002012-10-05T16:27:59-04:00Spartans wideout Bennie Fowler upset with drops
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<p>Michigan State Bennie Fowler will come off the bench this Saturday against Indiana following an 'unacceptable' drop against Ohio State.</p> <p>The Michigan State Spartans (3-2, 0-1 in the Big Ten) lost by one point to the Ohio State Buckeyes last Saturday, 17-16, making wide receiver <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77187/bennie-fowler">Bennie Fowler's</a> crucial drop all the more impactful.</p>
<p>It's something the junior pass-catcher acknowledged following the defeat, according to <a href="http://www.mlive.com/spartans/index.ssf/2012/10/michigan_states_bennie_fowler_4.html" target="_blank">a report by Diamond Leung of MLive.com</a>:</p>
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<p>"I think that drop is unacceptable. Drops are never acceptable."</p>
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<p>Spartans head coach Mark Dantonio responded this week as well, according to the report, placing freshman wideout <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/159800/aaron-burbridge">Aaron Burbridge</a> ahead of Fowler on the team's depth chart going into Saturday's road contest against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/indiana-hoosiers">Indiana Hoosiers</a> (2-2, 0-1 in the Big Ten).</p>
<p>"In the end, the best players will continue to play and resurface," Dantonio said in the article. "We'll see how his practice and everything else goes. Have an opportunity to make a play, you have to make them at some point."</p>
<p>Fowler finished the game against the Buckeyes with two catches for 46 yards.</p>
https://detroit.sbnation.com/michigan-state-football/2012/10/5/3461672/michigan-state-bennie-fowler-dropsGriffin Gotta