EAST LANSING - Matt Trannon caught an MSU-record 14 receptions for 145 yards and two
touchdowns as Michigan State rolled over Eastern Michigan 52-20 thanks
to a strong second half showing.
After coming out strong in the first quarter, the Spartans (2-0) saw
the Eagles (0-2) get back in the game by allowing two touchdowns late in
the closing minutes of the first half.
With the score 24-17 at half, it once again appeared that the Spartans
were having trouble for the second consecutive week against an
obviously weaker opponent.
The Spartans received the ball from the second half kickoff and kick
returner Javon Ringer fumbled the ball, which was recovered by the
Eagles.
EMU was threatening to tie the game deep in Spartan territory but only
managed to move two yards in three plays, having to kick a 38-yard
field goal. That field goal would be the last time the Eagles would score
in the game.
Drew Stanton led the offense to two touchdowns in the third quarter;
the first was a 1-yard touchdown rush on a quarterback option and the
second touchdown was an 8-yard connection between Stanton and freshman
receiver T.J. Williams.
Stanton opened the fourth quarter with a 7-yard touchdown pass to
senior Matt Trannon, who had a historic day receiving. Stanton was finished
for the day after that touchdown, handing duties over to backup Brian Hoyer.
Stanton finished having completed 23 of 31 passes for 239 yards and
three touchdowns while also rushing nine times for 40 yards and two
touchdowns.
The running game was also working all day for the Spartans. Javon
Ringer rushed for 130 on 15 carries and A.J. Jimmerson made his Spartan
debut by rushing for 79 yards on 10 carries while also catching 3 balls for
46 yards and two touchdowns.
One of Jimmerson’s touchdowns was a pass from Matt Trannon, who took a
handoff from Drew Stanton and proceeded to throw to a wide open
Jimmerson on the opposite side of the field for a 35-yard touchdown.
Brian Hoyer completed all four of his passes in the fourth quarter,
throwing a 5-yard touchdown to Jimmerson.
Michigan State outscored Eastern Michigan 28-3 in the second half to
make a statement against their cross-state foes from about 55 miles away.
MSU improves to 7-0 in the series history with EMU, winning every game
convincingly.
Next week, the Spartans travel to Pittsburgh in a showdown of 2-0
teams.