Spartan Stadium -- East Lansing, Mich
In was one of those “grind-it-out” games, but Central Michigan did what it needed to do last Saturday on the way to its first win on the 2018 season.
Junior Tommy Lazzaro got the starting call for CMU and completed 7 of 16 attempts for 82 yards with one TD and one interception. He also ran for one score in a contest where defenses were a strength for both teams.
Meanwhile, Central’s opponent this week fields a defense that has been somewhat inconsistent. Michigan State allowed 24 points to Utah State in a 38-31 Week One victory. Seven more USU points came off an interception return.
Indiana also rallied late to challenge Sparty before MSU put the Hoosiers away (35-21) with a big run to end all scoring.
Here’s more on the two teams:
MICHIGAN STATE (2-1, 1-0 Big Ten)
➤➤ The Spartans went out to a 14-0 first quarter lead and were up on Indiana 28-7 through three periods. The previously undefeated Hoosiers, however, reeled off 13 points before Jalen Nailor broke loose on a 75-yard TD run with 3:17 remaining to cement Michigan State’s victory.
➤➤ State’s third quarter touchdown came off a fake field goal. The holder ran an option play to his right and pitched it to kicker Matt Coughlin, who scampered just inside the pylon for the score.
➤➤ The Spartans run defense is tops in the nation. MSU held Indiana to 29 yards rushing on 32 attempts. It has held opponents under 50 rushing yards for five consecutive games. However, the pass defense is 123rd nationally, allowing 323.7 ypg.
➤➤ Linebacker Joe Bachie has 30 tackles, 2.5 tfl and 1 sack on the season. The sack leader is Kenny Willekes (16 tackles, 5.0 tfl and 3.0 sacks)
➤➤ The Spartans are minus-2 in turnover margin (106th nationally).
➤➤ MSU is 112th nationally in rushing (119.7 ypg). But 37th in passing.
➤➤ Junior QB Brian Lewerke has completed 41 of 64 passes (66.0%), good for 814 yards with 5 TDs and 4 interceptions. He has been sacked 8 times. Two of his picks were last week against Indiana.
➤➤ Senior LJ Scott leads the Spartans with 30 rushing attempts for 103 yards. He also owns five receptions for 73 yards.
➤➤ MSU has four rushing touchdowns and five through the air. Two of the latter belong to Cody White (18 catches, 260 yards, 2 TDs -- all team highs.
Other’s with double-figure receptions are Felton Davids III (13 catches, 212 yards, 1 TD) and Darrell Stewart Jr. (14 catches, 127 yards).
CENTRAL MICHIGAN (1-3, 0-1 MAC)
➤➤ This is the seventh meeting between MSU and Central Michigan, with the Spartans holding a 7-3 advantage, including wins in the the last three matchups. Centrals last win was in 2009 (29-27)
➤➤ The Chippewas gave up at least 24 points in each of their three losses, but only surrendered five (three defensive) points in last week’s 17-5 victory over FCS power Maine.
➤➤ CMU is 11th MAC and 127th nationally in scoring offense 15.0 ppg. It’s better on defense, as te Chippewas are fourth among MAC teams and 62nd overall with an average of 23.8 ppg.
➤➤ The Chippewas’ six offensive touchdowns are split evenly, between run (3) and pass (3).
➤➤ Central has 70 players from the state of Michigan and five from Lansing.
➤➤ Malik Fountain leads the CMU defense with 47 tackles thus far in 2018. That figure includes 26 solo hits. His 47 stops is tied with Buffalo’s Khalil Hodge for tops in the MAC. and ninth nationally.
➤➤ Both quarterbacks got their first career start this year. . Sophomore Tony Poljan has completed 40 of 70 attempts (57.1%) for 344 yards with 1 TD and 4 interceptions.
➤➤ Tommy Lazzaro, who started last week, is 20 of 38 (52.6%) for 210 yards with two TDs and picks.
➤➤ Junior Jonathan Ward heads the rushing attack with 52 carries for 156 yards. As a team, CMU is averaging 3.1 ypc, with a long of 17.
➤➤ Junior Cameron Cole owns team highs in catches (11) and receiving yards (127). Freshman Julian Hicks is over the century mark with 101 yards off of nine receptions.