Central Michigan Chippewas vs Michigan State Spartans Match Player Stats On Sep 24, 2011

SportsDirect Inc. staff
Sep 24, 2011

Le’Veon Bell tied a career high with three touchdowns and No. 23 Michigan State rolled to 45-7 win over visiting Central Michigan on Saturday in its final tune-up before a showdown with Ohio State.

Isaiah Lewis returned one of four Michigan State interceptions for a score as the Spartans bounced back from a 31-13 loss to Notre Dame.

Michigan State (3-1), which has won 14 of its last 15 non-conference home games, improved to 25-6 in East Lansing under Mark Dantonio. One of those losses was a stunning 29-27 setback to the Chippewas (1-3) in 2009. However, that victory was spearheaded by Dan LeFevour – one of the greatest quarterbacks in the history of the Mid-American Conference.

Two years later, Central Michigan’s quarterback situation couldn’t be more different. A.J. Westendorp briefly replaced ineffective starter Ryan Radcliff midway through the second, but he had his first pass returned 37 yards for a touchdown by Lewis.

Lewis’ return made it 21-0 and Bell’s third touchdown – a 13-yarder – gave the Spartans a 31-0 lead with 1:23 left in the half.

The resurgence of the Spartans’ running game was a welcome sight after Michigan State managed just 29 yards on 23 carries in the loss to Notre Dame. The real challenge for the defending Big Ten co-champions comes next week in Columbus, which marks the start of a brutal four-game stretch that features contests against Michigan, Wisconsin and Nebraska.

Central Michigan's lone score came on a 5-yard touchdown pass from Radcliff to David Blackburn after a blocked punt early in the third.