Michigan State Football: Spartans ruin Chippewas “Big” weekend

Mount Pleasant, Mich. — In the second week of the college football season, Michigan State University found themselves in a familiar, yet unfamiliar, territory as they traveled to Kelly/Shorts Stadium in Mount Pleasant, Mich. and defeated the Central Michigan Chippewas 41-7.

The Spartans were able to build off of their week one win against Boise State where Heisman candidate Le’Veon Bell ran gangbuster all over the Broncos defense.

However, unlike last week, the MSU passing attack was at the forefront.

Junior QB Andrew Maxwell looks to have found his comfort zone with a big performance against CMU.

Spartan junior QB Andrew Maxwell showed major growth, as he went 20-of-31 for 275 yards and two touchdowns, bouncing back from his three interception game in week one.

Maxwell found a real comfort with wide receiver Bennie Fowler who had eight receptions for 99 yards and one touchdown. Fowler may be that emerging play-maker at the receiver position that the Spartans have been looking for since spring ball.

Also, Tennessee transfer DeAnthony Arnett showed glimpses of his talents, as he had a huge catch for 48 yards.

Potential Heisman frontrunner Le’Veon Bell added to his resume by rushing for 70 yards on 18 carries and scoring two touchdowns for the Spartans. Senior running back Larry Caper added 66 yards, as the Spartans rushed for 173 yards total on the ground.

On defense the Spartans are yet to have given up a touchdown, as the Chippewas only touchdown came on an interception thrown by Michigan State’s Connor Cook who replaced Andrew Maxwell in the second-half.

Safety Isiah Lewis and corner Johnny Adams both added an interception, and junior defensive end William Gholston recorded a sack as well.

Michigan State’s balanced offensive attack is a sign of good things to come. Of course the Spartans could have ran the ball down CMU’s throat and boosted Bell’s stats, but they were looking at the bigger picture.

Maxwell needed these reps to improve his confidence and build chemistry with his receivers, and that is going to help the Spartans tremendously going forward.

The Spartans host the Fighting Irish next Saturday, and we will see just how far their offense has come in just three weeks. Maxwell will have a chance to redeem himself in another big game at home, and it’s good that he is going into the practice week with loads of confidence.