Michigan State Holding Potent WMU Ground Game Down Through First Half

Western Michigan piled up 263 rushing yards at Southern Cal a week ago en route to nearly upsetting the Top 5-ranked Trojans.

But through 30 minutes of play today, the Broncos haven't found nearly the same success at Michigan State.

The Spartans held WMU to 43 yards rushing on 19 carries in the first half. That's an average of 2.3 yards per carry.

Michigan State led 14-0 at the midway point.

The Spartans' first score came via a 61-yard scramble to the end zone by quarterback Brian Lewerke in the first quarter. Lewerke later in the second quarter found LJ Scott on a wheel-route pattern for a 15-yard scoring strike.

MSU dominated WMU in terms of total yards in the first half, 232 to 85. The Spartans also converted on four of their seven third-down attempts.

State's defense was impressive in more ways than only against the run. MSU sacked Western QB Jon Wassink three times in the opening two frames and registered five tackles for loss. The Broncos recorded no such big plays defensively.

WMU was 0 for 7 on first-half third-down conversions.