Michigan State Spartans vs Michigan Wolverines Match Player Stats On Oct 17, 2015

The Sports Xchange
Oct 17, 2015

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- There was all sorts of hype leading up to No. 7 Michigan State's battle with No. 12 Michigan State, but the ending wasn't something anyone could have predicted.

With Michigan setting up to punt with nine seconds to play, punter Blake O'Neill dropped the snap and the ball was batted into the hands of Michigan State's Jalen Watts-Jackson, who returned it 38 yards for the touchdown with no time on the clock to give the Spartans a 27-23 victory on Saturday in Michigan Stadium.

It was Michigan State's seventh win in the last eight meetings with its rival.

The game had plenty of drama to that point as Michigan appeared to come up with the final stop it needed before the misplayed punt.

Before the last-play drama, Jabrill Peppers had 157 total yards for the Wolverines (5-1, 2-1 Big Ten) and fullback Sione Houma scored two touchdowns. Kicker Kenny Allen added three field goals, with his 38-yarder in the fourth quarter the difference before the final play.

Michigan State (7-0, 3-0) extended its winning streak to 11 games and won on the road in the Big Ten for the 12th straight time.

Senior quarterback Connor Cook threw for 328 yards and a touchdown, but two late sacks by Michigan's Willie Henry appeared to seal the victory for the Wolverines.

Michigan State freshman running back LJ Scott ran for two scores and Cook added a 30-yard touchdown pass to senior Macgarrett Kings Jr.

NOTES: Michigan State has an 11-game winning streak and a 12-game road winning streak in Big Ten games. ... Michigan senior LB Joe Bolden was called for targeting in the second quarter. The play was upheld and he was ejected from the game. ... Michigan State's second-quarter touchdown by freshman RB LJ Scott ended a streak of 46 straight possessions that Michigan did not allow a touchdown.