Michigan State is no longer perfect.
The Spartans dropped their first game of the season, losing at Purdue on Saturday by the score of 40-29. Michigan State never led in this game, and with the loss, the Spartans fall to 8-1 overall and 5-1 in the Big Ten on the season.
Michigan State trailed 21-14 at halftime but was able to tie the game early in the third quarter on a 32-yard touchdown run by Payton Thorne. Things went south from there with the Boilermakers scoring the next 16 points to build a commanding lead late into the fourth quarter.
The Spartans were able to get it down to a one-possession game with 5:03 left in the game thanks to a Tre Mosley touchdown and two-point conversion. However, Michigan State couldn’t stop Purdue from driving down the field to kick a game-clinching field goal.
Michigan State was outgained 594 to 458 in total yards. Of the 594 yards given up by the Spartans, 536 of it came in the air in what ultimately killed Michigan State in this matchup.
Michigan State’s Heisman candidate running back Kenneth Walker III had a solid game with 136 rushing yards and a touchdown on 22 carries. He should remain in the Heisman conversation but this loss will hurt his stock despite a solid performance.
The Spartans will look to regroup from this loss next week in a home game against Maryland. Kickoff time and TV details have not been announced yet.
