2017 Michigan State Spartans Football team - wikipedia 2017 Michigan State Spartans Football team 2017 Michigan State Spartans football Holiday Bowl champion Holiday Bowl, W 42 -- 17 vs. Washington State Conference Big Ten Conference Division East Division Ranking Coaches No. 16 AP No. 15 2017 record 10 -- 3 ( 7 -- 2 Big Ten ) Head coach Mark Dantonio ( 11th season ) Co-offensive coordinator Dave Warner ( 5th season ) Co-offensive coordinator Jim Bollman ( 5th season ) Offensive scheme Pro Co-defensive coordinator Harlon Barnett ( 3rd as DC ; 11th overall season ) Co-defensive coordinator Mike Tressel ( 3rd as DC ; 11th overall season ) Base defense Multiple Captain Brian Allen Captain Chris Frey Home stadium Spartan Stadium ( Capacity : 75,005 ) Seasons ← 2016 2018 → 2017 Big Ten football standings Conf Overall Team East Division No. 5 Ohio State xy $ 8 -- 12 -- No. 18 Michigan State 7 -- 10 -- No. 9 Penn State 7 -- 11 -- Michigan 5 -- 8 -- 5 Rutgers -- 6 -- 8 Indiana -- 7 5 -- 7 Maryland -- 7 -- 8 West Division No. 6 Wisconsin xy 9 -- 0 13 -- No. 20 Northwestern 7 -- 10 -- Iowa -- 5 8 -- 5 Purdue -- 5 7 -- 6 Nebraska -- 6 -- 8 Minnesota -- 7 5 -- 7 Illinois 0 -- 9 -- 10 Championship : Ohio State 27, Wisconsin 21 $ -- Conference champion x -- Division champion / co-champions y -- Championship game participant As of February 28, 2018 ; Rankings from AP Poll The 2017 Michigan State Spartans football team represented Michigan State University in the 2017 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Spartans played their home games at the Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Michigan, and competed in the East Division of the Big Ten Conference. They were led by 11th - year head coach Mark Dantonio. The Spartans finished the season 10 -- 3, 7 -- 2 in Big Ten play to finish in a tie for second place in the East Division. The Spartans received an invitation to the 2017 Holiday Bowl where they defeated Washington State. Contents 1 Previous season 2 Offseason 2.1 2017 NFL Draft 2.2 Undrafted NFL free agents 2.3 Dismissals due to sexual assault incidents 3 Recruiting 3.1 Recruits 4 Roster 5 Coaching staff 6 Schedule and results 7 Game summaries 7.1 Bowling Green 7.2 Western Michigan 7.3 Notre Dame 7.4 Iowa 7.5 Michigan 7.6 Minnesota 7.7 Indiana 7.8 Northwestern 7.9 Penn State 7.10 Ohio State 7.11 Maryland 7.12 Rutgers 7.13 Holiday Bowl 8 Rankings 9 References Previous season The Spartans finished the 2016 season 3 -- 9, 1 -- 8 in Big Ten play to finish in sixth place in the East Division. The season marked a stark drop - off from the school 's recent successes, including an appearance in the 2016 College Football Playoff. Offseason 2017 NFL Draft Round Pick Team Player Position 35 Seattle Seahawks Malik McDowell Defensive Lineman 123 Washington Redskins Montae Nicholson Safety Undrafted NFL free agents Team Player Position Tampa Bay Buccaneers Riley Bullough Linebacker Minnesota Vikings R.J. Shelton Wide Receiver Minnesota Vikings Josiah Price Tight End Cincinnati Bengals Tyler O'Connor Quarterback Cincinnati Bengals Demetrious Cox Safety Arizona Cardinals Brandon Clemons Offensive / Defensive Lineman Arizona Cardinals Kodi Kieler Offensive Lineman Dismissals due to sexual assault incidents The Spartans dismissed three players, Donnie Corley, Josh King, and Demetric Vance, after they were charged with third - degree criminal sexual conduct in relation to a sexual assault investigation. In a separate incident, Auston Robertson, was charged with third - degree sexual misconduct in April and dismissed from the team. Recruiting Recruits The Spartans signed a total of 23 recruits. US college sports recruiting information for 2017 recruits Name Hometown High school / college Height Weight Commit date Cody White WR Walled Lake, Michigan Walled Lake Western HS 6 ft 3 in ( 1.91 m ) 190 lb ( 86 kg ) Mar 16, 2016 Recruiting star ratings : Scout : Rivals : 247Sports : ESPN : Jack Camper TE Virginia Beach, Virginia IMG Academy 6 ft 6 in ( 1.98 m ) 230 lb ( 100 kg ) Mar 22, 2016 Recruiting star ratings : Scout : Rivals : 247Sports : ESPN : Kevin Jarvis OG Park Ridge, Illinois Maine South HS 6 ft 5 in ( 1.96 m ) 340 lb ( 150 kg ) Mar 31, 2016 Recruiting star ratings : Scout : Rivals : 247Sports : ESPN : Hunter Rison WR Ann Arbor, Michigan Skyline HS 5 ft 11 in ( 1.80 m ) 197 lb ( 89 kg ) Apr 1, 2016 Recruiting star ratings : Scout : Rivals : 247Sports : ESPN : Rocky Lombardi QB West Des Moines, Iowa Valley HS 6 ft 3 in ( 1.91 m ) 200 lb ( 91 kg ) Apr 3, 2016 Recruiting star ratings : Scout : Rivals : 247Sports : ESPN : Matt Carrick OG Massillon, Ohio Perry HS 6 ft 4 in ( 1.93 m ) 275 lb ( 125 kg ) Apr 20, 2016 Recruiting star ratings : Scout : Rivals : 247Sports : ESPN : Darien Clemons LB Piqua, Ohio Piqua HS 6 ft 1 in ( 1.85 m ) 214 lb ( 97 kg ) Apr 26, 2016 Recruiting star ratings : Scout : Rivals : 247Sports : ESPN : Weston Bridges RB Akron, Ohio Copley HS 6 ft 0 in ( 1.83 m ) 204 lb ( 93 kg ) Apr 27, 2016 Recruiting star ratings : Scout : Rivals : 247Sports : ESPN : Jacob Panasiuk DE Roselle, Illinois Lake Park HS 6 ft 3 in ( 1.91 m ) 266 lb ( 121 kg ) Jun 2, 2016 Recruiting star ratings : Scout : Rivals : 247Sports : ESPN : Lashawn Paulino - Bell DE Fort Lauderdale, Florida St. Thomas Aquinas HS 6 ft 4 in ( 1.93 m ) 235 lb ( 107 kg ) Jun 20, 2016 Recruiting star ratings : Scout : Rivals : 247Sports : ESPN : Mustafa Khaleefah OT Dearborn, Michigan Dearborn HS 6 ft 6 in ( 1.98 m ) 282 lb ( 128 kg ) Jun 23, 2016 Recruiting star ratings : Scout : Rivals : 247Sports : ESPN : Dominique Long Westerville, Ohio Westerville South HS 6 ft 2 in ( 1.88 m ) 189 lb ( 86 kg ) Jun 25, 2016 Recruiting star ratings : Scout : Rivals : 247Sports : ESPN : Matt Dotson TE Cincinnati, Ohio Moeller HS 6 ft 5 in ( 1.96 m ) 235 lb ( 107 kg ) Jul 7, 2016 Recruiting star ratings : Scout : Rivals : 247Sports : ESPN : Jordan Reid OG Detroit, Michigan Cass Tech HS 6 ft 5 in ( 1.96 m ) 300 lb ( 140 kg ) Jul 9, 2016 Recruiting star ratings : Scout : Rivals : 247Sports : ESPN : Josiah Scott CB Fairfield, Ohio Fairfield HS 6 ft 2 in ( 1.88 m ) 235 lb ( 107 kg ) Jul 31, 2016 Recruiting star ratings : Scout : Rivals : 247Sports : ESPN : Connor Heyward WR Suwanee, Georgia Peachtree Ridge HS 6 ft 2 in ( 1.88 m ) 215 lb ( 98 kg ) Dec 8, 2016 Recruiting star ratings : Scout : Rivals : 247Sports : ESPN : Antjuan Simmons LB Ann Arbor, Michigan Pioneer HS 6 ft 1 in ( 1.85 m ) 215 lb ( 98 kg ) Jan 14, 2017 Recruiting star ratings : Scout : Rivals : 247Sports : ESPN : Tre Person CB Atlanta, Georgia Westlake HS 6 ft 0 in ( 1.83 m ) 165 lb ( 75 kg ) Jan 22, 2017 Recruiting star ratings : Scout : Rivals : 247Sports : ESPN : DeAri Todd DE Lorain, Ohio Clearview HS 6 ft 4 in ( 1.93 m ) 245 lb ( 111 kg ) Jan 22, 2017 Recruiting star ratings : Scout : Rivals : 247Sports : ESPN : C.J. Hayes WR Bowling Green, Kentucky South Warren HS 6 ft 3 in ( 1.91 m ) 200 lb ( 91 kg ) Jan 31, 2017 Recruiting star ratings : Scout : Rivals : 247Sports : ESPN : Noah Harvey LB Hartland, Wisconsin Arrowhead HS 6 ft 3 in ( 1.91 m ) 210 lb ( 95 kg ) Jan 31, 2017 Recruiting star ratings : Scout : Rivals : 247Sports : ESPN : N / A Emmanuel Flowers Chino Hills, California Ayala HS 6 ft 1 in ( 1.85 m ) 175 lb ( 79 kg ) Feb 1, 2017 Recruiting star ratings : Scout : Rivals : 247Sports : ESPN : N / A Laress Nelson WR Plantation, Florida American Heritage HS 5 ft 10 in ( 1.78 m ) 171 lb ( 78 kg ) Feb 1, 2017 Recruiting star ratings : Scout : N / A Rivals : 247Sports : ESPN : N / A Overall recruiting rankings : Note : In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height and weight. In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100 - point scale. Sources : `` Michigan State Football Commitments ''. Rivals.com. Retrieved February 18, 2017. `` 2017 Michigan State Football Commits ''. Scout.com. Retrieved February 18, 2017. `` ESPN ''. ESPN.com. Retrieved February 18, 2017. `` Scout.com Team Recruiting Rankings ''. Scout.com. Retrieved February 18, 2017. `` 2017 Team Ranking ''. Rivals.com. Retrieved February 18, 2017. Roster Position key Back Center Cornerback CB Defensive back DB Defensive end DE Defensive lineman DL Defensive tackle DT End Fullback FB Guard Halfback HB Kicker Kickoff returner KR Offensive tackle OT Offensive lineman OL Linebacker LB Long snapper LS Punter Punt returner PR Quarterback QB Running back RB Safety Tight end TE Wide receiver WR 2017 Michigan State Spartans football team roster Players Coaches Offense Pos. # Name Class RB Scott, L.J. L.J. Scott 5.0 ! Jr WR Hayes, C.J. C.J. Hayes 1.0 ! Fr WR 5 Rison, Hunter Hunter Rison 1.0 ! Fr QB 6 Terry, Damion Damion Terry 4.5 ! Sr WR 7 White, Cody Cody White 1.0 ! Fr QB 10 deWeaver, Messiah Messiah deWeaver 1.5 ! Fr RB 11 Heyward, Connor Connor Heyward 1.0 ! Fr QB 12 Lombardi, Rocky Rocky Lombardi 1.0 ! Fr QB 13 Macius, Mickey Mickey Macius 3.5 ! Jr QB 14 Lewerke, Brian Brian Lewerke 2.5 ! So WR 16 Sowards, Brandon Brandon Sowards 3.5 ! Jr WR 17 Nelson, Laress Laress Nelson 1.0 ! Fr WR 18 Davis III, Felton Felton Davis III 5.0 ! Jr WR 19 Krumm, Nick Nick Krumm 2.5 ! So WR 20 Lewandowski, David David Lewandowski 2.5 ! So WR 21 Chambers, Cam Cam Chambers 1.5 ! Fr RB 24 Holmes, Gerald Gerald Holmes 4.5 ! Sr WR 25 Stewart Jr., Darrell Darrell Stewart Jr. 2.5 ! So RB 27 Bridges, Weston Weston Bridges 1.0 ! Fr RB 28 London, Madre Madre London 3.5 ! Jr FB 30 Hallock, Tanner Tanner Hallock 1.0 ! Fr FB 40 Lucas, Collin Collin Lucas 3.5 ! Jr FB 41 Burton, Reid Reid Burton 1.5 ! Fr TE 42 Kadry, Hussien Hussien Kadry 4.5 ! Sr FB 44 Rosenthal, Max Max Rosenthal 1.0 ! Fr FB 45 Palange, Joe Joe Palange 4.5 ! Sr OT 55 Reid, Jordan Jordan Reid 1.0 ! Fr OG 56 Carrick, Matt Matt Carrick 1.0 ! Fr OG 59 Beedle, David David Beedle 3.5 ! Jr OG 60 Schreiner, Casey Casey Schreiner 3.5 ! Jr OT 61 Chewins, Cole Cole Chewins 2.5 ! So OT 62 Campbell, Luke Luke Campbell 1.5 ! Fr OT 63 Listermann, Noah Noah Listermann 2.5 ! So OL 64 Allen, Matt Matt Allen 1.5 ! Fr OL 65 Allen, Brian Brian Allen ( C ) 57.0 ! Sr OT 66 Bueter, Blake Blake Bueter 1.0 ! Fr 67 Wilker, Bryce Bryce Wilker 2.5 ! So OL 68 Schram, Jeremy Jeremy Schram 3.5 ! Jr OL 69 Liesveld, Tommy Tommy Liesveld 1.5 ! Fr OG 70 Higby, Tyler Tyler Higby 2.5 ! So OL 71 Gianacakos, Chase Chase Gianacakos 3.5 ! Jr OT 73 Finley, Dennis Dennis Finley 4.5 ! Sr OL 74 Henrichs, Jack Jack Henrichs 1.0 ! Fr OG 75 Jarvis, Kevin Kevin Jarvis 1.0 ! Fr OT 76 Arcuri, A.J. A.J. Arcuri 1.5 ! Fr OL 77 Padla, Nick Nick Padla 3.5 ! Jr OT 79 Khaleefah, Mustafa Mustafa Khaleefah 1.0 ! Fr TE 80 Seybert, Matt Matt Seybert 2.5 ! So TE 81 Sokol, Matt Matt Sokol 3.5 ! Jr TE 82 Camper, Jack Jack Camper 1.0 ! Fr WR 83 Sargent, Noah Noah Sargent 1.5 ! Fr WR 84 Makaric, Brock Brock Makaric 4.5 ! Sr TE 84 Davis, Noah Noah Davis 1.5 ! Fr WR 85 Barton, Khylin Khylin Barton 1.5 ! Fr WR 86 Jackson, Trishton Trishton Jackson 3.0 ! So WR 88 Welch, Andre Andre Welch 1.0 ! Fr TE 89 Dotson, Matt Matt Dotson 1.0 ! Fr Defense Pos. # Name Class CB, WR Layne, Justin Justin Layne 3.0 ! So LB 5 Dowell, Andrew Andrew Dowell 5.0 ! Jr DE 8 Paulino - Bell, Lashawn Lashawn Paulino - Bell 1.0 ! Fr 9 Long, Dominique Dominique Long 1.0 ! Fr 10 Morrissey, Matt Matt Morrissey 3.5 ! Jr CB 15 Flowers, Emmanuel Emmanuel Flowers 1.0 ! Fr CB 15 Smith, Tyson Tyson Smith 5.0 ! Jr 16 Andrews, Austin Austin Andrews 1.5 ! Fr LB 17 Thompson, Tyriq Tyriq Thompson 2.5 ! So CB 19 Butler, Josh Josh Butler 2.5 ! So 20 Watts - Jackson, Jalen Jalen Watts - Jackson 3.5 ! Jr CB 22 Scott, Josiah Josiah Scott 1.0 ! Fr LB 23 Frey, Chris Chris Frey ( C ) 57.0 ! Sr CB 24 Person, Tre Tre Person 1.0 ! Fr DE 26 Randle, Brandon Brandon Randle 1.5 ! Fr 27 Willis, Khari Khari Willis 5.0 ! Jr 28 Dowell, David David Dowell 2.5 ! So DB 29 Brown, Shakur Shakur Brown 1.0 ! Fr CB 31 Harrell, T.J. T.J. Harrell 3.5 ! Jr DB 32 Watts, Jahz Jahz Watts 1.0 ! Fr LB 34 Simmons, Antjuan Antjuan Simmons 1.0 ! Fr LB 35 Bachie, Joe Joe Bachie 3.0 ! So LB 37 Razzano, Dante Dante Razzano 1.5 ! Fr DB 37 Pryor, Corey Corey Pryor 1.5 ! Fr LB 38 Bullough, Byron Byron Bullough 3.5 ! Jr DL 41 Owens, Gerald Gerald Owens 3.5 ! Jr LB 42 Mossburg, Brent Brent Mossburg 1.0 ! Fr 43 Mandryk, Jack Jack Mandryk 1.0 ! Fr 44 Miller, Grayson Grayson Miller 5.0 ! Jr LB 45 Tipps - Clemons, Darien Darien Tipps - Clemons 1.0 ! Fr LB 47 Harvey, Noah Noah Harvey 1.0 ! Fr DE 48 Willekes, Kenny Kenny Willekes 2.5 ! So LB 49 Jones, Shane Shane Jones 4.5 ! Sr LB 50 Harrington, Sean Sean Harrington 4.5 ! Sr DL 51 Stallworth, Kyonta Kyonta Stallworth 2.5 ! So DE 52 Alexander, Dillon Dillon Alexander 3.5 ! Jr LB 53 Fisk, Peter Peter Fisk 1.5 ! Fr LB 54 Sokol, Mitchell Mitchell Sokol 1.0 ! Fr DT 58 Salmon, Devyn Devyn Salmon 4.5 ! Sr DT 72 Panasiuk, Mike Mike Panasiuk 3.0 ! So DE 83 Hill - Hunt, Mufi Mufi Hill - Hunt 1.5 ! Fr DE 91 Bowers, Robert Robert Bowers 3.5 ! Jr DE 92 Todd, DeAri DeAri Todd 1.0 ! Fr DT 93 Jones, Naquan Naquan Jones 1.5 ! Fr DE 96 Panasiuk, Jacub Jacub Panasiuk 1.0 ! Fr DE 97 Alexander, Justice Justice Alexander 2.5 ! So DE 98 Cooper, Demetrius Demetrius Cooper 4.5 ! Sr DT 99 Williams, Raequan Raequan Williams 2.5 ! So Special teams Pos. # Name Class 8 Hahn, Cole Cole Hahn 1.0 ! Fr 25 Hartbarger, Jake Jake Hartbarger 3.5 ! Jr LS 47 Armour, Ryan Ryan Armour 3.0 ! So LS 57 Caflisch, Collin Collin Caflisch 2.5 ! So K, P 94 McKenna, Jack Jack McKenna 1.0 ! Fr 97 Scanlon, Brett Brett Scanlon 4.5 ! Sr 98 Coghlin, Matt Matt Coghlin 1.5 ! Fr Head coach Mark Dantonio Coordinators / assistant coaches Harlon Barnett ( Associate Head Coach / Co-Defensive Coordinator / Defensive Backs ) Mark Staten ( Assistant Head Coach / Offensive Line ) Jim Bollman ( Co-Offensive Coordinator / Tight Ends ) Mike Tressel ( Co-Defensive Coordinator / Linebackers ) Dave Warner ( Co-Offensive Coordinator / Running Backs ) Ron Burton ( Defensive Tackles ) Brad Salem ( Quarterbacks ) Terrence Samuel ( Wide Receivers ) Mark Snyder ( Defensive Ends / Special Teams ) Legend ( C ) Team captain ( S ) Suspended ( I ) Ineligible Injured Redshirt Roster Last update : August 8, 2017 Coaching staff Name Position Joined Staff Mark Dantonio Head Coach 2007 Harlon Barnett Associate Head Coach / Co-Defensive Coordinator / Defensive Backs 2007 Mark Staten Assistant Head Coach / Offensive Line 2007 Dave Warner Co-Offensive Coordinator / Running Backs 2007 Jim Bollman Co-Offensive Coordinator / Tight Ends 2013 Mike Tressel Co-Defensive Coordinator / Linebackers 2007 Brad Salem Quarterbacks Terrence Samuel Wide Receivers 2011 Ron Burton Defensive Tackles 2013 Mark Snyder Defensive Ends / Special Teams 2015 Schedule and results Michigan State announced its 2017 football schedule on July 11, 2013. The 2017 schedule consists of seven home and five away games in the regular season. The Spartans host Big Ten foes Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, and Penn State, and travel to Michigan, Minnesota, Northwestern, Ohio State, and Rutgers. The Spartans host all three non-conference opponents, Bowling Green from the Mid-American Conference ( MAC ), Western Michigan, also from the MAC, and Notre Dame, an independent. MSU did not leave the state of Michigan until their October 14 game at Minnesota. Date Time Opponent Rank Site TV Result Attendance September 2 12 : 00 p.m. Bowling Green * Spartan Stadium East Lansing, MI ESPNU W 35 -- 10 71,202 September 9 3 : 30 p.m. Western Michigan * Spartan Stadium East Lansing, MI BTN W 28 -- 14 72,910 September 23 8 : 00 p.m. Notre Dame * Spartan Stadium East Lansing, MI ( Rivalry ) FOX L 18 -- 38 74,023 September 30 3 : 30 p.m. Iowa Spartan Stadium East Lansing, MI FOX W 17 -- 10 73,331 October 7 7 : 30 p.m. at No. 7 Michigan Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI ( Rivalry ) ABC W 14 -- 10 112,432 October 14 8 : 00 p.m. at Minnesota No. 21 TCF Bank Stadium Minneapolis, MN BTN W 30 -- 27 47,541 October 21 3 : 30 p.m. Indiana No. 18 Spartan Stadium East Lansing, MI ( Rivalry ) ABC W 17 -- 9 74,111 October 28 3 : 30 p.m. at Northwestern No. 16 Ryan Field Evanston, IL ESPN L 31 -- 39 39,369 November 4 12 : 00 p.m. No. 7 Penn State No. 24 Spartan Stadium East Lansing, MI ( Rivalry ) FOX W 27 -- 24 71,605 November 11 12 : 00 p.m. at No. 11 Ohio State No. 13 Ohio Stadium Columbus, OH FOX L 3 -- 48 107,011 November 18 4 : 00 p.m. Maryland No. 22 Spartans Stadium East Lansing, MI FOX W 17 -- 7 70,216 November 25 4 : 00 p.m. at Rutgers No. 21 High Point Solutions Stadium Piscataway, NJ FOX W 40 -- 7 35,021 December 28 9 : 00 p.m. vs. No. 21 Washington State No. 18 Qualcomm Stadium San Diego, CA ( Holiday Bowl ) FS1 W 42 -- 17 47,092 * Non-conference game. Homecoming. Rankings from AP Poll released prior to game. All times are in Eastern Time. Schedule Source : Game summaries Bowling Green See also : 2017 Bowling Green Falcons football team Series Record Previous meeting Result 2 -- 0 Sep 8, 2007 MSU, 28 -- 17 Week One : Bowling Green at Michigan State -- Game summary Total Bowling Green 0 0 7 10 Michigan State 0 14 21 0 35 at Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, MI Date : September 2, 2017 Game time : 12 : 01 pm EDT Game weather : 65 ° F ( 18 ° C ), Wind : 7 MPH ESE, Sunny Game attendance : 71,202 Referee : Jeff Servinski TV announcers ( ESPNU ) : Clay Matvick ( Play - by - Play ), Kirk Morrison ( Analyst ) Sources : Game information First Quarter BGSU -- Jake Suder 36 - yard field goal, 9 : 29. Falcons 3 -- 0. Drive : 6 plays, 50 yards, 2 : 12. Second Quarter MSU -- Madre London 7 - yard run, ( Matt Coghlin kick ), 11 : 19. Spartans 7 -- 3. Drive : 12 plays, 67 yards, 6 : 19. MSU -- Felton Davis 4 - yard pass from Brian Lewerke ( Matt Coghlin kick ), 00 : 09. Spartans 14 -- 3 Drive : 7 plays, 85 yards, 1 : 26. Third Quarter MSU -- Felton Davis 8 - yard pass from Brian Lewerke ( Matt Coghlin kick ), 4 : 35. Spartans 21 -- 3. Drive : 10 plays, 69 yards, 4 : 35. MSU -- Matt Sokol 13 - yard pass from Brian Lewerke ( Matt Coghlin kick ), 02 : 46. Spartans 28 -- 3. Drive : 8 plays, 45 yards, 3 : 36. MSU -- Tyson Smith 38 - yard interception return ( Matt Coghlin kick ) 2 : 24. Spartans 35 -- 3. Fourth Quarter BGSU -- Cam Jeffries 46 - yard fumble recovery ( Jake Suder kick ), 14 : 44. ' Spartans 35 -- 10. Top Passers BGSU -- James Morgan 10 / 31, 145 Yds, 1 INT MSU -- Brian Lewerke 22 / 33, 250 Yds, 3 TD Top Rushers BGSU -- Andrew Clair 4 attempts, 22 yards MSU -- Brian Lewerke 8 attempts, 70 yards Top Receiving BGSU -- Datrin Guyton 2 receptions, 40 yards MSU -- Darrell Stewart 6 receptions, 85 yards Top Tacklers BGSU -- Nate Locke 15 tackles MSU -- Joe Bachie 10 tackles MSU opened the season at Spartan Stadium against Mid-American Conference opponent, Bowling Green looking to improve upon their poor performance in 2016. The Spartans started well, driving to the Falcon goalline before LJ Scott fumbled the ball and Bowling Green returned it to their 31 - yard line. The Falcons moved the ball down the field and took the lead shortly thereafter on a Jake Suder 36 - yard field goal. After this ominous beginning, neither team managed any further points in the first quarter, but the Spartans took the lead for good less than four minutes into the second quarter on a Madre London seven - yard touchdown run. As time ran out in the first half, Brian Lewerke hit Felton Davis for a four - yard touchdown pass to give the Spartans a 14 -- 3 lead at halftime. MSU 's offense took control in the third period, scoring touchdowns on back - to - back possessions, both touchdown passes from Brian Lewerke, to give the Spartans a commanding 28 -- 3 lead. Tyson Smith, playing in his first game since suffering a stroke in November 2016, intercepted a Falcon pass and returned it 38 yards for a touchdown and a 35 -- 3 lead. LJ Scott would lose another fumble early in the fourth quarter, this time the Falcons returned it 46 yards for a touchdown to reduce the Spartan lead to 35 -- 10. Neither team scored again as the Spartans moved to 1 -- 0 on the season with a convincing win. Brian Lewerke played well, completing 22 of this 33 attempts and throwing three touchdowns. He also rushed for 70 yards on the day. LJ Scott had a poor day, rushing 15 times and gaining only 39 yards and fumbling the ball twice with the Falcons recovering both. The Spartan defense limited the Falcons to three points and 212 total yards on the day. Western Michigan See also : 2017 Western Michigan Broncos football team Series Record Previous meeting Result 12 -- 2 Sep 4, 2015 MSU, 37 -- 24 Week Two : Western Michigan at Michigan State -- Game summary Total Western Michigan 0 0 7 7 14 Michigan State 7 7 7 7 28 at Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, MI Date : September 9, 2017 Game time : 3 : 40 pm EDT Game weather : 65 ° F ( 18 ° C ), 6 MPH ENE, Partly Cloudy Game attendance : 72,910 Referee : Daniel Capron TV announcers ( BTN ) : Brandon Gaudin ( Play - by - play ), Glen Mason ( Analyst ) Sources : Game information First Quarter MSU -- Brian Lewerke 61 - yard run ( Matt Coghlin kick ), 04 : 43. Spartans 7 -- 0. Drive : 4 plays, 79 yards, 1 : 37. Second Quarter MSU -- LJ Scott 15 - yard pass from Brian Lewerke ( Matt Coghlin kick ), 06 : 04. Spartans 14 -- 0. Drive : 9 plays, 51 yards, 2 : 57. Third Quarter WMU -- Darius Phillips 67 - yard fumble recovery ( Josh Grant kick ). Spartans 14 -- 7. MSU -- Brian Lewerke 1 - yard run ( Matt Coghlin kick ), 06 : 07. Spartans 21 -- 7. Drive : 6 plays, 75 yards, 2 : 36. Fourth Quarter MSU -- LJ Scott 2 - yard run ( Matt Coghlin kick ) 10 : 48. Drive : 9 plays, 76 yards, 2 : 36. Spartans 28 -- 7. WMU -- Darius Phillips 100 - yard kickoff return ( Josh Grant kick ), 10 : 37. ' Spartans 28 -- 14. Top Passers WMU -- John Wasink 11 / 26, 79 Yds, 1 INT MSU -- Brian Lewerke 13 / 21, 161 Yds, 1 TD, 1 INT Top Rushers WMU -- LeVant Bellamy 12 attempts, 76 yards MSU -- LJ Scott 18 attempts, 92 yards, 1 TD Top Receiving WMU -- D'Way Wskridge 4 receptions, 42 yards MSU -- Felton Davis 4 receptions, 69 yards Top Tacklers WMU -- Asantay Brown 10 tackles MSU -- Joe Bachie 11 tackles In the second week of the season, the Spartans hosted another MAC opponent, the previous year 's MAC champion, Western Michigan. The Michigan State defense would hold steady on the opening drive by the Broncos, with Josiah Scott recording his first career interception. The Spartan offense was able to drive into WMU territory following the interception, but was unable to score. Several possessions later, Brian Lewerke finally opened the scoring in the first quarter on a read option play, scoring on a 61 - yard run, giving Michigan State a 7 -- 0 lead. Michigan State would add another score late in the second quarter on a 15 - yard pass from Lewerke to LJ Scott. As a result, MSU led 14 -- 0 at halftime. For the second week in a row, an opponent scored on a fumble recovery when true - freshman receiver Hunter Rison had the ball stripped by WMU cornerback Darius Phillips and returned it 67 yards for a touchdown, to pull the Broncos within 14 -- 7. The Spartan offense immediately answered the score, taking less than three minutes on their following drive to score, which included a Darrell Stewart run of 41 yards to the WMU one - yard line. Lewerke would punch it in from one - yard out, restoring MSU 's two touchdown lead, 21 -- 7. The Spartans increased the lead in the fourth quarter when LJ Scott broke a 44 - yard run on fourth and one from the Spartan 45 - yard line. Scott would eventually score on a two - yard touchdown run, giving MSU a 28 -- 7 lead. However, Darius Phillips answered the Spartan touchdown on the ensuing kickoff with a 100 - yard return for touchdown, making it 28 -- 14. The Bronco offense would finally put a drive together late in the fourth quarter, driving all the way to the MSU 15 - yard line before failing to convert on fourth and one. The Spartan offense would then run out the clock to secure the 28 -- 14 victory. The win moved the Spartans to 2 -- 0 on the season with a bye week to follow. The Michigan State defense played extremely well, tallying four sacks ( they had 11 total sacks all of last year ) and surrendering only 195 yards and, for the second week in a row, did not give up a touchdown. Brian Lewerke totaled 242 all purpose yards ( 161 yards passing, 81 yards rushing ), with two rushing TDs and a passing TD. LJ Scott led all rushers with 86 yards rushing with a couple of TDs ( one receiving and one rushing ). Felton Davis led all receivers with four receptions and 69 yards. Michigan State rushed for 296 yards, the most yards rushing the Spartans have had in a game since rushing for 330 yards against Indiana in 2014. Notre Dame See also : 2017 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team Series Record Previous meeting Result 29 -- 49 -- 1 Sep 17, 2016 MSU, 36 -- 28 Week Three : Notre Dame at Michigan State -- Game summary Total Notre Dame 14 14 7 38 Michigan State 7 0 8 18 at Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, MI Date : September 23, 2017 Game time : 8 : 00 pm EDT Game weather : 84 ° F ( 29 ° C ), 5 MPH SE, Clear Game attendance : 74,023 Referee : Gary Patterson TV announcers ( FOX ) : Gus Johnson ( Play - by - play ), Joel Klatt ( Analyst ), Jenny Taft ( sideline reporter ) Sources : Game information First Quarter ND -- Brandon Wimbush 16 - yard run ( Justin Yoon kick ), 13 : 05. Irish 7 -- 0. Drive : 7 plays, 78 yards, 1 : 55. ND -- Julian Love 59 - yard interception return ( Justin Yoon kick ), 10 : 33. Irish 14 -- 0. MSU -- Darrell Stewart Jr. 4 - yard pass from Brian Lewerke ( Matt Coghlin kick ), 06 : 33. Irish 14 -- 7. Drive : 7 plays, 75 yards, 4 : 00. Second Quarter ND -- Dexter Williams 8 - yard pass from Brandon Wimbush ( Justin Yoon kick ), 9 : 32. Irish 21 -- 7. Drive : 6 plays, 24 yards, 2 : 23. ND -- Dexter Williams 14 - yard run ( Justin Yoon kick ), 0 : 47. Irish 28 -- 7. Drive : 5 plays, 80 yards, 1 : 34. Third Quarter MSU -- Matt Coghlin 40 - yard field goal, 11 : 13. Irish 28 -- 10. Drive : 9 plays, 53 yards, 3 : 38. ND -- Deon McIntosh 9 - yard run ( Justin Yoon kick ), 7 : 46. Irish 35 -- 10. Drive : 8 plays, 62 yards, 3 : 19. Fourth Quarter ND -- Justin Yoon 46 - yard field goal, 04 : 51. Irish 38 -- 10. Drive : 10 plays, 66 yards, 5 : 01. MSU -- Gerald Holmes 25 - yard run ( Cody White pass from Brian Lewerke for two points ), 03 : 09 Irish 38 -- 18. Drive : 7 plays, 71 yards, 1 : 35. Following a bye week, the Spartans welcomed rival Notre Dame to Spartan Stadium for their third consecutive home game. Notre Dame jumped up early on the Spartans, taking the opening drive 78 yards on seven plays as Notre Dame QB Brandon Wimbush ran for 16 yards to put the Irish up 7 -- 0. On the next possession, things got even worse for the Spartans as Brian Lewerke 's pass was intercepted by Julian Love and returned 59 yards for a touchdown. Trailing 14 -- 0, the Spartans would answer, going 75 yards and scoring on a Darrell Stewart Jr. four - yard touchdown catch to cut the lead to 14 -- 7. Neither team managed any more points in the first quarter, but Lewerke again committed a mistake early in the second quarter as he fumbled the ball at the MSU 24 - yard line. Six plays later Wimbush hit Dexter Williams for an eight - yard touchdown to put the Irish up 21 -- 7. Looking to avoid the rout. the Spartans took their next drive deep into Notre Dame territory. L.J. Scott scored an apparent touchdown from 14 yards out, but he was stripped of the ball before he crossed the goalline and Notre Dame recovered the fumble. Instead of the lead being reduced to 21 -- 14, Notre Dame moved down the field on five plays as Williams again scored for the Irish, putting the score at 28 -- 7. MSU was unable to answer and trailed by 21 at the half. In the second half, MSU attempted to prevent the blowout, but only managed a field goal on their opening possession. The Irish put the game out of reach on their next possession, going 62 yards on eight plays to balloon the lead to 35 -- 10. Notre Dame added a field goal with five minutes remaining in the game as the MSU offense continued to struggle. The Spartans did get another touchdown as Gerald Holmes caught a 25 - yard pass from Brian Lewerke to cut the lead to 38 -- 18 with the two point conversion. However, with just 1 : 36 remaining the game, it was too little too late and the Spartans fell 38 -- 18. As a result of the win, the Irish received the Megaphone Trophy. The Spartans fell to 2 -- 1 on the season. MSU outgained the Irish 496 -- 355, but the three turnovers cost the Spartans. Lewerke completed 31 of 51 passes for 340 yards and the Spartans gained 151 yards on the ground. Despite the yardage discrepancy, it was a complete and utter blowout. Iowa See also : 2017 Iowa Hawkeyes football team Series Record Previous meeting Result 21 -- 23 -- 2 Dec 5, 2015 MSU, 16 -- 13 Week Four : Iowa at Michigan State -- Game summary Total Iowa 0 7 0 10 Michigan State 14 0 0 17 at Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, MI Date : September 30, 2017 Game time : 4 : 17 pm EDT Game weather : 64 ° F ( 18 ° C ), 3 MPH NNE, Sunny Game attendance : 73,331 Referee : Mike Cannon TV announcers ( FOX ) : Joe Davis ( Play - by - Play ), Brady Quinn ( Analyst ), Bruce Feldman ( sideline reporter ) Sources Game information First Quarter MSU -- Felton Davis 22 - yard pass from Brian Lewerke ( Matt Coghlin kick ), 11 : 50. Spartans 7 -- 0. Drive : 7 plays, 75 yards, 3 : 10. MSU -- Felton Davis 6 - yard pass from Brian Lewerke ( Matt Coghlin kick ), 2 : 11. Spartans 14 -- 0. Drive : 10 plays, 31 yards, 4 : 08. Second Quarter IOWA -- Akrum Wadley 9 - yard run ( Miguel Recinos kick ), 12 : 15. Spartans 14 -- 3. Drive 10 plays, 72 yards, 4 : 51. MSU -- Matt Coghlin 38 - yard field goal, 0 : 43. Spartans 17 -- 7. Drive : 7 plays, 16 yards, 2 : 50. Fourth Quarter IOWA -- Miguel Recinos 43 - yard field goal. Spartans 17 -- 10. Drive : 8 plays, 45 yards, 4 : 56. In their fourth consecutive home game to begin the season, the Spartans hosted the Hawkeyes in East Lansing in the teams ' first matchup since the 2015 Big Ten Championship. MSU started off hot as Brian Lewerke hit his first five passes including a 22 - yard catch by Felton Davis for a touchdown and an early 7 -- 0 lead over Iowa. After exchanging punts on their next possessions, the Spartans again got hot through the air as Lewerke again hit Davis, this time from six yards out to move the MSU lead to 14 -- 0. Iowa would answer as they went 72 yards on 10 plays before Arkum Wadley scored on a 9 - yard run that cut the lead in half at 14 -- 7. Michigan State managed a 38 - yard field goal from Matt Coghlin with 43 seconds left in the half to push the halftime lead to 17 -- 7. In the second half, both defenses controlled the game. However, Iowa, on the first possession of the half moved to the Spartan five - yard line before Iowa quarterback Nathan Stanley fumbled the ball without being touched and MSU recovered at their own three yard line. The first scoring of the half came with a little over nine minutes left in the game as Iowa converted on a Miguel Recinos 43 - yard field goal to narrow the lead to 17 -- 10. After exchanging punts, the Spartans punted to Iowa with just over three minutes remaining in the game. The Spartan defense, however, limited the Hawkeyes to three plays before the clock ran out and the Spartans left with the victory 17 -- 10. Iowa managed only 231 yards in the game while the Spartans put up 300 yard. The difference in the game were the turnovers as the Spartans, who entered the game with eight turnovers on the season, did not turn the ball over while the Hawkeyes lost two fumbles. The win moved MSU to 3 -- 1 on the season and 1 -- 0 in the Big Ten with a trip to Ann Arbor looming. Michigan See also : 2017 Michigan Wolverines football team Series Record Previous meeting Result 35 -- 69 -- 5 Oct 29, 2016 Michigan, 32 -- 23 Week Five : Michigan State at Michigan -- Game summary Total Michigan State 7 7 0 0 14 No. 7 Michigan 0 7 0 10 at Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, MI Date : October 7, 2017 Game time : 7 : 43 pm EDT Game weather : 78 ° F ( 26 ° C ), Wind : 20 - 30 MPH SW, Partly Cloudy with Rain Game attendance : 112,432 Referee : John O'Neill TV announcers ( ABC ) : Chris Fowler ( Play - by - Play ), Kirk Herbstreit ( Analyst ), Maria Taylor ( Sideline ) Game information First Quarter MICH -- Quinn Nordin 30 - yard field goal. Wolverines 3 -- 0. Drive : 16 plays, 64 yards, 6 : 56. MSU -- Brian Lewerke 14 - yard run ( Matt Coghlin kick ). Spartans 7 -- 3. Drive : 6 plays, 46 yards, 2 : 49 Second Quarter MSU -- Madre London 16 - yard pass from Brian Lewerke ( Matt Coghlin kick ). Spartans 14 -- 3. Drive : 9 plays, 83 yards, 3 : 45. Third Quarter MICH -- Khalid Hill 1 - yard run ( Quinn Nordin kick ). Spartans 14 -- 10. Drive : 4 plays, 33 yards, 1 : 41. Leaving Spartan Stadium for the first time on the season, the Spartans traveled to take on rival Michigan in a matchup for the Paul Bunyon Trophy. No. 7 - ranked Michigan looked like the better team to start the game as they went 64 yards on 16 plays, but stalled on the MSU 11 - yard line and settled for a 30 - yard field goal to take an early 3 -- 0 lead. The unranked Spartans were forced to punt on their first possession and, after a first down for Michigan, MSU took control of the game. Joe Bachie stripped Michigan 's Ty Isaac and Chris Frey recovered the fumble at the Michigan 46 - yard line. The Spartans drove straight down the field and Brian Lewerke scrambled in from 14 yards out to give the Spartans a 7 -- 3 lead. The MSU defense forced Michigan to punt and the Spartan offense stalled at the Michigan 47. Following another punt by the Wolverines, the Spartans capped off an 83 - yard drive with a Madre London 16 - yard run to put the Spartans up 14 -- 3. Another forced fumble by the Spartan defense ended a Michigan drive at the Spartan 29 - yard line with just over a minute remaining in the half. The Spartans happily went to the locker room with a 14 -- 3 lead. In the second half, the weather became a major factor. With the wind kicking up and a storm approaching, Michigan scored on their second possession after a short punt gave the Wolverines the ball as the Spartan 33. The one - yard touchdown run narrowed the MSU lead to 14 -- 10. MSU 's offense, facing a strong wind and a storm, went conservative for the remainder of the game. MSU 's defense did not, intercepting Michigan quarterback John O'Korn on the next three possessions. Though MSU did not convert any of the interceptions into points, each stopped a Wolverine drive at crucial junctures. The Spartan defense kept up its good play, forcing Michigan to punt on their next two possessions and the Spartans took over with 3 : 58 remaining in the game. A pair of MSU first downs, their first first downs of the half, appeared to seal the win for MSU, but penalties set the Wolverines up with the ball at their own 20 with 34 seconds to go. Another personal foul penalty on the Spartans following 15 - yard gain gave Michigan the ball at midfield. Finally, as time expired, the Wolverines ' Hail Mary - pass was deflected to the ground at the goal line to give the Spartans the win and the Paul Bunyon trophy. The win gave the Spartans their eighth win over Michigan in the last 10 years, all under head coach Mark Dantonio. The Spartans rushed for 158 yards, but were limited to only 94 yards through the air. The MSU defense held the Wolverines to 300 yards. MSU also did not turn the ball over, while forcing five Wolverine turnovers. Minnesota See also : 2017 Minnesota Golden Gophers football team Series Record Previous meeting Result 29 -- 17 Nov 30, 2013 MSU, 14 -- 3 Week Six : Michigan State at Minnesota -- Game summary Total No. 21 Michigan State 10 7 6 7 30 Minnesota 6 0 0 21 27 at TCF Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota Date : October 14, 2017 Game time : 8 : 00 pm EDT Game weather : 50 ° F ( 10 ° C ), Wind : N 10 MPH, Rainy Game attendance : 47,541 Referee : Don Willard TV announcers ( BTN ) : Brandon Gaudin ( play - by - play ), Glen Mason ( analyst ), and Elise Manaker ( sideline reporter ) Game information First Quarter MIN -- Emmit Carpenter 25 - yard field goal. Golden Gophers 3 -- 0. Drive : 4 plays, − 4 yards, 1 : 03. MSU -- Matt Coghlin 42 - yard field goal. Tie 3 -- 3. Drive : 9 plays, 47 yards, 3 : 19. MSU -- Madre London 3 - yard run ( Matt Coghlin kick ). Spartans 10 -- 3. Drive : 2 plays, 8 yards, 0 : 40. MIN -- Emmit Carpenter 47 - yard field goal. Spartans 10 -- 6. Drive : 4 plays, 5 yards, 1 : 16. Second Quarter MSU -- LJ Scott 24 - yard run ( Matt Coghlin kick ). Spartans 17 -- 6. Drive : 6 plays, 62 yards, 3 : 24. Third Quarter MSU -- Matt Coghlin 35 - yard field goal. Spartans 20 -- 6. Drive : 9 plays, 58 yards, 4 : 15. MSU -- Matt Coghlin 25 - yard field goal. Spartans 23 -- 6. Drive : 16 plays, 73 yards, 9 : 13. Fourth Quarter MIN -- Tyler Johnson 28 - yard pass from Demry Croft ( Emmit Carpenter kick ). Spartans 23 -- 13. Drive : 2 plays, 27 yards, 0 : 50. MSU -- LJ Scott 6 - yard run ( Matt Coghlin kick ). Spartans 30 -- 13. Drive : 4 plays, 45 yards, 1 : 40. MIN -- Tyler Johnson 17 - yd pass from Demry Croft ( Emmit Carpenter kick ). Spartans 30 -- 20. Drive : 9 plays, 61 yards, 4 : 55. MIN -- Tyler Johnson 9 - yd pass from Demry Croft ( Emmit Carpenter kick ). Spartans 30 -- 27. Drive : 10 plays, 73 yards, 1 : 55. Going on the road for the second straight week but leaving the state of Michigan for the first time on the season, the newly ranked Spartans traveled to Minnesota. The start of the game was delayed for approximately 45 minutes due to thunderstorms in the area. The weather made for a very sloppy start for both offenses, with Minnesota going three - and - out on their first drive. Michigan State took over, but a fumbled snap set the Spartans back and they had to punt as well. Disaster struck on the punt, as the snap was high and slipped through punter Jake Hartbarger 's hands, with Minnesota recovering at the Spartan three yard line. The MSU defense stood tall and drove the Gophers back, leading to an Emmit Carpenter 25 - yard field goal to open the scoring. Michigan State responded with a field goal drive of their own, with Matt Coghlin hitting from 42 yards out to even the score at 3 -- 3. On the ensuing Gopher possession, a fumbled hand - off was recovered by Spartan defensive end Kenny Willekes at the Gopher eight yard line. Madre London scored the game 's first touchdown two plays later from three yards out to make the score 10 -- 3. After a Gopher punt, Brian Lewerke threw his first interception in three games and the Gophers took over at the MSU 34 yard - line. This led to a 47 - yard field goal from Carpenter to make the score 10 -- 6. Michigan State responded with a touchdown drive, with LJ Scott scoring from 24 yards out to extend the lead to 17 -- 6 at the half. Michigan State received the opening kickoff of the second half and drove down into the red zone, but were forced to settle for another field goal, with Coghlin hitting from 35 yards out to move the score to 20 -- 6. The Gophers punted on their next possession and the Spartans put together another long drive. However, a false start penalty forced MSU to settle for another Coghlin field goal to increase the lead to 23 -- 6. Following yet another fumble by LJ Scott, Minnesota recovered scored their first touchdown of the game on a 28 - yard pass from Demry Croft to Tyler Johnson to cut the lead to 23 -- 13. After a good kickoff return from Connor Heyward, MSU quickly responded to the Gopher touchdown with Scott scoring from six yards out, making it 30 -- 13 Spartans. Minnesota was not done as Croft found Johnson again for a touchdown from 17 yards out to cut it to 30 -- 20 with under eight minutes remaining in the game. The next Spartan drive led to a missed field goal from 45 yards out and Minnesota took over with under five minutes remaining in the game. Croft found Johnson in the end zone for the third time in the second half to reduce MSU 's lead to three. However, Minnesota 's onside kick was recovered by MSU as the Spartans pulled out a hard - fought 30 -- 27 victory on the road at Minnesota. Scott ran for a career - high 194 yards on 25 carries with two touchdowns. London added 74 yards and a touchdown as the Spartans ran for 245 yards in the game while limiting the Gophers to 74 yards on the ground. The win moved the Spartans 5 -- 1 overall and 3 -- 0 in the Big Ten. Indiana See also : 2017 Indiana Hoosiers football team Series record Previous meeting Result 45 -- 16 -- 2 Oct 1, 2016 Ind, 24 -- 21 Week Seven : Indiana at Michigan State -- Game summary Total Indiana 0 9 No. 18 Michigan State 0 0 14 17 at Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, MI Date : October 21, 2017 Game time : 3 : 36 pm EDT Game weather : 76 ° F ( 24 ° C ), Wind : S 12 MPH, Partly Cloudy Game attendance : 74,111 Referee : Ron Snodgrass TV announcers ( ABC ) : Dave Flemming ( Play - by - play ), Greg McElroy ( analyst ), Tom Luginbill ( sideline reporter ) Game information First Quarter IND -- Griffin Oakes 33 - yard field goal. Hoosiers 3 -- 0. Drive : 4 plays, 0 yards, 1 : 14. Second Quarter MSU -- Matt Coghlin 23 - yard field goal. Tie 3 -- 3. Drive : 10 plays, 68 yards, 4 : 59. Third Quarter IND -- Griffin Oakes 44 - yard field goal. Hoosiers 6 -- 3. Drive : 13 plays, 61 yards, 4 : 28. Fourth Quarter IND -- Griffin Oakes 20 - yard field goal. Hoosiers 9 -- 3. Drive : 12 plays, 63 yards, 4 : 37. MSU -- Felton Davis 10 - yard pass from Brian Lewerke ( Matt Coghlin kick ). Spartans 10 -- 9. Drive : 7 plays, 55 yards, 3 : 08. MSU -- LJ Scott 18 - yard run ( Matt Coghlin kick ). Spartans 17 -- 9. Drive : 7 plays, 64 yards, 3 : 15. The Spartans returned home to face rival Indiana on Homecoming in East Lansing in a matchup for the Old Brass Spittoon. Michigan State had its seven - game winning streak in the series snapped last season as the Hoosiers defeated the Spartans in overtime. Prior to the game, it was announced that MSU running back LJ Scott would play after being arrested for driving without a license during the week. Both offenses struggled throughout the first half. Following a Madre London fumble that was recovered at the MSU 15 - yard line by the IU defense, Indiana notched their only points of the half on a Griffin Oakes 33 - yard field goal with 1 : 14 remaining in the first quarter. The teams exchanged punts before Michigan State hit a Matt Coghlin 22 - yard field goal, capping off a 10 play, 68 - yard drive with 6 : 46 remaining in the first half. Punts ruled the remainder of the half as the score remained 3 -- 3 at halftime. The defenses continued to assert themselves in the second half, as neither offense could sustain drives to begin the third quarter. Indiana finally put a lengthy drive together with just under 10 minutes left in the third quarter, driving all the way to the Michigan State 26 - yard line before being forced to settle for a 44 - yard field goal to give the Hoosiers a 6 -- 3 lead. On the ensuing possession, MSU 's offense also came alive on a nine - play, 40 yard drive, but the Spartans would turn the ball over on downs at the Indiana 35 - yard line. Indiana took over and drove to the MSU two - yard line before being stymied again by the Spartan defense and being forced to settle for another field goal that gave Indiana a 9 -- 3 lead with 12 : 29 remaining in the game. The teams exchanged punts as MSU quarterback Brian Lewerke repeatedly missed open receivers with inaccurate throws. Taking over at their own 45 with 9 : 07 remaining in the game, the Spartans moved the ball down the field converting on a fourth and three with a Lewerke pass to Hunter Rison for a first down. Two plays later, Felton Davis caught the go - ahead touchdown pass from Lewerke to give MSU a 10 -- 9 lead. The Spartan defense again forced a three - and - out, handing the offense an opportunity to run out the clock with 4 : 39 remaining. On third down and eight, Lewerke again hit Hunter Rison for a first down. Indiana, using their timeouts, forced the Spartans into another third and long situation. Lewerke again converted on a pass to Cody White for a gain of 34 yards. Indiana, in an effort to preserve their final timeout and to ensure that they got the ball back with enough time to score and tie the game, purposely allowed LJ Scott to score on from 18 yards out on the following play. The score gave Michigan State a 17 -- 9 lead with 1 : 49 remaining. the MSU defense held stout, forcing Indian to turn the ball over on downs, allowing MSU to run out the clock for the win. Cody White led all receivers with seven receptions for 99 yards and LJ Scott rushed for 87 yards and a touchdown. Joe Bachie recorded a career high 13 tackles, including a forced fumble. For the third time on the season, the defense did not allow an offensive touchdown. With the win, Michigan State reclaimed the Old Brass Spittoon and became bowl eligible. The win moved MSU to 6 -- 1 on the season and 4 -- 0 in the Big Ten. Northwestern See also : 2017 Northwestern Wildcats football team Series Record Previous meeting Result 37 - 18 Oct 15, 2016 NU, 54 -- 40 Week Eight : Michigan State at Northwestern -- Game summary OT 2OT 3OT Total No. 16 Michigan State 7 0 7 7 7 0 31 Northwestern 0 10 0 7 7 7 8 39 Date : October 28, 2017 Game time : 3 : 30 pm EDT Game weather : 40 ° F ( 4 ° C ), Wind : 12 MPH W, Cloudy Game attendance : 39,369 Referee : Mark Kluczynski TV announcers ( ESPN ) : Anish Shroff ( Play - by - Play ), Ahmad Brooks ( Analyst ) Game information First Quarter MSU -- Cody White 6 - yard pass from Brian Lewerke ( Matt Coghlin kick ), 12 : 25. Spartans 7 -- 0. Drive : 7 plays, 92 yards, 2 : 35. Second Quarter MSU -- Matt Coghlin 46 - yard field goal 9 : 31. Spartans 10 -- 0. Drive : 6 plays, 20 yards, 3 : 22. NU -- Clayton Thorson 1 - yard run ( Charlie Kuhbander kick ), 3 : 58. Spartans 7 -- 0. Drive : 13 plays, 81 yards, 5 : 28. NU -- Charlie Kuhbander 35 - yard field goal, 0 : 04. Tie 10 -- 10. Drive : 11 plays 56 yards, 1 : 45. Fourth Quarter NU -- Ben Skowronek 12 - yard pass from Justin Jackson ( Charlie Kuhbander kick ), 10 : 49. Wildcats 17 -- 10. ' Drive : 5 plays, 58 yards, 1 : 27. MSU -- Felton Davis 13 - yard pass from Brian Lewerke ( Matt Coghlin kick ), 0 : 25. Tie 17 -- 17. Drive : 12 plays, 88 yards, 2 : 49. First Overtime NU -- Cameron Gree 14 - yard pass from Clayton Thorsson ( Charlie Kuhbander kick ). Wildcats 24 -- 17. Drive : 5, plays 25 yards. MSU -- Felton Davis 6 - yard pass from Brian Lewerke ( Matt Coghlin kick ). Tie 24 -- 24. Drive : 5 plays, 25 yards. Second Overtime MSU -- Cody White 11 - yard pass from Brian Lewerke ( Matt Coghlin kick ). Spartans 31 -- 24. ' Drive 2 plays, 25 yards. NU -- Justin Jackson 3 - yard run ( Charlie Kuhbander kick ). Tie 31 -- 31. Drive 4 plays, 25 yards. Third Overtime NU -- Flynn Nagel 22 - yard pass from Clayton Thorson ( Cameron Green pass from Clayton Thorson ). Wildcats 39 -- 31. Drive : 3 plays, 25 yards. MSU 's third road game on the season was a trip to face Northwestern. MSU started well, driving 92 yards on their opening possession as Brian Lewerke hit Cody White from six yards out to give MSU the 7 -- 0 lead. Northwestern moved into MSU territory on their first possession, but Andrew Dowell forced a fumble which was recovered by his brother David Dowell to end the Wildcat threat. MSU 's offense again moved deep into Northwestern territory looking to increase their lead, but Cody White fumbled at the NU 7 - yard line to end the MSU drive. The teams exchanged punts into the second quarter before MSU again moved into NU territory. This time the Wildcat defense forced a field goal by Matt Coghlin which moved the Spartan lead to 10 -- 0. Northwestern answered on their next drive, scoring from one yard out to narrow the lead to 10 -- 7. Following a punt, NU took over with 1 : 49 remaining in the half and drove into MSU territory. The MSU defense finally stiffened and forced Northwestern to settle for a 35 - yard field goal to tie the game at the half. In the third quarter, both offenses started well, but had drives stall as NU punted from MSU territory and the Spartans ' Matt Coghlan hit the right upright on a 51 - yard field goal attempt. The teams exchanged punts into the fourth quarter before Northwestern moved to the Spartan 12 yard line. On a halfback pass play, Justin Jackson hit Ben Skowronek to give the Wildcats a 17 -- 10 lead with just over 10 minutes remaining in the game. MSU attempted to answer, moving into NU territory again, but Matt Coghlin again hit the right upright, this time from 32 yards out as the score remained 17 -- 10. Following a Wildcats put, MSU, needing a touchdown to tie, took over at their own 12 with 3 : 14 left in the game. The offense moved down to the NU 30 yard line with 53 seconds remaining. On fourth down, Brian Lewerke scrambled for the first down to keep MSU alive. Two plays later, Lewerke hit Felton Davis in the corner of the end zone to tie the game at 17 with 25 seconds remaining. The Wildcats simply knelt out the clock to force overtime. In the first overtime, NU took three plays to shred the MSU defense for a touchdown as Clayton Thorson found Cameron Green open for a 14 - yard touchdown and an NU lead 24 -- 17. MSU answered in their possession as Lewerke again hit Davis for a six - yard touchdown to force a second overtime. In the second overtime, MSU took the lead as Lewerke hit White for another touchdown from 11 yards out. MSU 's defense could not hold the lead however, allowing an NU touchdown in four plays to tie the game again. In the third overtime, the MSU defense continued its struggles giving up a 22 - yard touchdown pass on third down and allowing the two - point conversion as NU took a 39 -- 31 lead. Following an incomplete pass, Lewerke fumbled on the second play of overtime, but was able to recover and scramble out of the pocket. However, a poor decision by Lewerke to thrown the ball over the middle of the field resulted in the ball being intercepted by the Wildcats and giving MSU its second loss on the season. Lewerke set an MSU single - game record, throwing for 445 yards in the loss. MSU 's defense struggled for one of the first times in the season, allowing 432 yards to Northwestern 's offense. Penn State See also : 2017 Penn State Nittany Lions football team Series Record Previous meeting Result 15 -- 15 -- 1 Nov 26, 2016 PSU, 45 -- 12 Week Nine : Penn State at Michigan State -- Game summary Total No. 7 Penn State 14 0 10 0 24 No. 24 Michigan State 7 7 7 6 27 at Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, MI Date : November 4, 2017 Game time : 12 : 00 p.m. EDT Game weather : 43 ° F ( 6 ° C ), Wind : 10 MPH NE, Overcast, rain Game attendance : 71,605 Referee : Don Willard TV announcers ( FOX ) : Joe Davis ( play - by - play ), Brady Quinn ( analyst ), Bruce Feldman ( sideline reporter ) Game information First quarter PSU -- DaeSean Hamilton 31 - yard pass from Trace McSorley ( Tyler Davis kick ), 5 : 40. Nittany Lions 7 -- 0. Drive : 7 plays, 92 yards, 3 : 00. MSU -- Darrell Stewart Jr. 7 - yard pass from Brian Lewerke ( Matt Coghlin kick ) 3 : 28. Tie 7 -- 7. Drive : 4 plays, 52 yards, 2 : 12. PSU -- Saeed Blacknall 27 - yard pass from Trace McSorley ( Tyler Davis kick ), 0 : 42. Nittany Lions 14 -- 7. Drive : 9 plays, 75 yards, 2 : 46. Second quarter MSU -- Felton Davis III 33 - yard pass from Brian Lewerke ( Matt Coghlin kick ), 3 : 54. Tie 14 -- 14. Drive : 5 plays, 69 yards, 2 : 24. Third quarter MSU -- L.J. Scott 3 - yard run ( Matt Coghlin kick ), 7 : 25. Spartans 21 -- 14. Drive : 10 plays, 91 yards, 5 : 10. PSU -- Tyler Davis 26 - yard field goal, 2 : 11. Spartans 21 -- 17. Drive : 12 plays, 71 yards, 5 : 14. PSU -- DeAndre Thompkins 70 - yard pass from Trace McSorley ( Tyler Davis kick ), 0 : 00. Nittany Lions 24 -- 21. Drive : 1 play, 70 yards, 0 : 05 Fourth quarter MSU -- Matt Coghlin 32 - yard field goal, 10 : 56. Tie 24 − 24. Drive : 11 plays, 45 yards, 4 : 04. MSU -- Matt Coghlin 34 - yard field goal, 0 : 00. Spartans 27 -- 24. Drive : 10 plays, 53 yards, 4 : 05. Top Passers PSU -- Trace McSorley 26 / 47, 381 Yds, 3 TD, 3 INT MSU -- Brian Lewerke 33 / 56, 400 Yds, 2 TD, 1 INT Top Rushers PSU -- Saquon Barkley 14 attempts, 68 yards MSU -- L.J. Scott 13 attempts, 43 yards, 1 TD Top Receiving PSU -- DaeSean Hamilton 7 receptions, 112 yards, 1 TD MSU -- Felton Davis 12 receptions, 181 yards, 1 TD Top Tacklers PSU -- Troy Apke / Koa Farmer 8 tackles MSU -- Khari Willis 11 tackles Coming off their first Big Ten loss, MSU welcomed rival and reigning Big Ten Champion Penn State to Spartan Stadium, marking the first time since 2013 the teams did not conclude the regular season playing each other. The Nittany Lions were also coming off their first Big Ten loss, having blown a lead against Ohio State the prior week. MSU forced a Penn State turnover on the opening possession of the game as Joe Bachie intercepted a Trace McSorley pass to give the ball to MSU for their first possession. MSU moved into Penn State territory, but stalled and were forced to punt. Starting at their own eight yard line, PSU moved quickly down the field and opened the scoring as McSorley connected on a 31 - yard touchdown pass to DaeSean Hamilton to give the Nittany Lions a 7 -- 0 lead. A personal foul penalty on the Lions on the ensuing kickoff gave MSU the ball at their own 48 yard line. Four plays later, Brian Lewerke found Darrell Stewart Jr. on a seven - yard touchdown pass to tie the game at seven. However, PSU answered, moving 75 yards on nine plays as McSorley hit Saeed Blacknall on fourth down to take a 14 -- 7 lead. After each team exchanged punts, MSU moved into Penn State territory before a weather delay stopped play with 7 : 58 remaining in the second quarter. Due to lightning and storms in the area, the game was delayed for three hours and 23 minutes. The teams began play again around 3 : 30 EDT and MSU turned the ball over on downs. After a Penn State punt, the Spartans moved quickly down the field and Lewerke hit Felton Davis on a 33 - yard touchdown pass to tie the game with 3 : 50 left in the half. Neither team could manage anything further as the half ended with the score tied at 14. To begin the second half, each team punted the ball before MSU moved 91 yards on a 10 - play drive capped off by an LJ Scott three - yard touchdown pass to give the Spartans a 21 -- 14 lead. Penn State, looking to answer, stalled on their next drive at the MSU eight yard line and settled for a field goal to reduce the lead to 21 -- 17. Following a Spartan punt, McSorley hit a wide - open DeAndre Thompkins on a 70 - yard touchdown pass to take a 24 -- 21 lead as the third quarter expired. The Spartans, again given good field position due to a PSU personal foul on the kickoff, answered on their next possession. The drive sputtered at the PSU 14, and Matt Coghlin kicked a 32 - yard field goal to tie the game at 24. McSorley was intercepted on the next PSU possession, but the Spartans were forced to punt. Looking to take the lead, the Lions moved to the Spartan 31 yard line, but McSorley 's pass fell incomplete on fourth down with 4 : 05 remaining in regulation. MSU moved methodically down the field and on third down from the Lion 27 yard line, Lewerke 's pass to Cody White fell incomplete appearing to end the drive. However, PSU was called for roughing Lewerke on the play to give the Spartans a first down at the PSU 22. With time running out, MSU maneuvered to the Lion 16 yard line to set up Coghlin for the game - winning field goal as time expired, giving MSU the 27 -- 24 win. Brian Lewerke threw for 400 yards for the second consecutive game, the first Spartan ever to do that and only the third Big Ten quarterback to accomplish that feat in the last 20 years. The game completed at 7 : 03 EDT, some seven hours and three minutes after the start. The win left MSU in the driver 's seat in the Big Ten East with only loss and facing Ohio State, also with one loss, the next week. Ohio State See also : 2017 Ohio State Buckeyes football team Series Record Previous meeting Result 15 -- 30 Nov 19, 2016 OSU, 17 -- 16 Week Ten : Michigan State at Ohio State -- Game summary Total No. 12 Michigan State 0 0 No. 13 Ohio State 14 21 13 48 at Ohio Stadium, Columbus, OH Date : November 11, 2017 Game time : 12 : 00 p.m. EST Game weather : 34 ° F ( 1 ° C ), Wind : 5 MPH ESE, Mostly cloudy Game attendance : 107,011 Referee : Michael Cannon TV announcers ( FOX ) : Joe Davis ( play - by - play ), Brady Quinn ( analyst ), Bruce Feldman ( sideline reporter ) Game information First quarter OSU -- Mike Weber 47 - yard run ( Sean Nuernberger kick ), 8 : 14. Buckeyes 7 -- 0. Drive : 6 plays, 86 yards, 1 : 19. OSU -- J.T. Barrett 4 - yard run ( Sean Nuernberger kick ), 0 : 17. Buckeyes 14 -- 0. Drive : 11 plays, 73 yards, 3 : 55. Second Quarter OSU -- J.T. Barrett 4 - yard run ( Sean Nuernberger kick ), 11 : 35. Buckeyes 21 -- 0. Drive : 9 plays, 68 yards, 3 : 12. OSU -- J.K. Dobbins 8 - yard pass from J.T. Barrett ( Sean Nuernberger kick ), 9 : 21. Buckeyes 28 -- 0. Drive : 3 plays, 25 yards, 0 : 56. OSU -- Mike Weber 82 - yard run ( Sean Nuernberger kick ), 6 : 16. Buckeyes 35 -- 0. Drive : 1 play, 82 yards, 0 : 11. MSU -- Matt Coghlin 37 - yard field goal, 0 : 00. Buckeyes 35 -- 3. Drive : 7 plays, 24 yards, 0 : 59. Third Quarter OSU -- Binjimen Victor 48 - yard pass from J.T. Barrett 4 - yard ( Sean Nuernberger kick ), 14 : 06. Buckeyes 42 -- 3. Drive : 3 plays, 72 yards, 0 : 54. OSU -- Sean Nuernberger 27 - yard field goal, 9 : 17. Buckeyes 45 -- 3. Drive : 8 plays 56 yards, 2 : 36. OSU -- Sean Nuernberger 28 - yard field goal, 0 : 00. Buckeyes 48 -- 3. Drive : 13 plays 79 yards, 5 : 36. Top Passers OSU -- J.T. Barrett 14 / 21, 183 Yds, 2 TD, 2 INT MSU -- Brian Lewerke 18 / 36, 131 Yds, 1 INT Top Rushers OSU -- Mike Weber 9 attempts, 162 yards, 2 TD MSU -- L.J. Scott 8 attempts, 32 yards Top Receiving OSU -- Parris Campbell 3 receptions, 49 yards MSU -- Cody White 5 receptions, 42 yards Top Tacklers OSU -- Tuf Borland 11 tackles MSU -- Kenny Willekes 9 tackles MSU traveled to Columbus to take on Ohio State with a chance to move into sole possession of first place in the Big Ten East division. However, Ohio State would have none of that, blowing out the Spartans 48 -- 3, the worst lost by MSU under head coach Mark Dantonio. The Buckeyes scored touchdowns on five of their first six possessions to take a commanding 35 -- 0 lead before halftime. OSU rushed for 335 yards against MSU 's defense, the most allowed by a defense at MSU under Dantonio. Meanwhile, the Spartan offense struggled mightily as well, rushing for only 64 yards while amassing only 195 yards of total offense. A Matt Coghlin field goal as the first half expired marked the Spartans only points of the game. The Buckeyes would add a touchdown and two field goals in the second half to end any realistic shot the Spartans had at the Big Ten Championship. The loss left the Spartans at 7 -- 3 on the season and 5 -- 2 in Big Ten play with two games remaining. Maryland See also : 2017 Maryland Terrapins football team Series Record Previous meeting Result 6 -- 2 Nov 22, 2016 Mary, 28 -- 17 Week Eleven : Maryland at Michigan State -- Game summary Total Maryland 0 0 0 7 7 No. 17 Michigan State 7 7 0 17 at Spartan Stadium, East Lansing, MI Date : November 18, 2017 Game time : 4 : 12 pm EST Game weather : 41 ° F ( 5 ° C ), Wind : 13 MPH N, Rain Game attendance : 70,216 Referee : Jerry McGinn TV announcers ( FOX ) : Tim Brando ( play - by - play ), Spencer Tillman ( analyst ) Game information First quarter MSU -- L.J. Scott 2 - yard run ( Matt Coghlin kick ), 7 : 48. Spartans 7 -- 0. Drive : 11 plays, 69 yards, 5 : 27. Second quarter MSU -- Brian Lewerke 25 - yard run ( Matt Coghlin kick ), 14 : 52. Spartans 14 -- 0. Drive : 8 plays, 85 yards, 4 : 31. Third quarter MSU -- Matt Coghlin 27 - yard field goal, 1 : 32. Spartans 17 -- 0. Drive : 11 plays, 49 yards, 7 : 17. Fourth quarter MD -- Lorenzo Harrison 4 - yard run ( Henry Darmstadter kick ), 9 : 50. Spartans 17 -- 3. Drive : 7 plays, 59 yards, 2 : 42. Top Passers MD -- Max Bortenschlager 13 / 25, 121 Yds MSU -- Brian Lewerke 2 / 14, 20 Yds Top Rushers MD -- Lorenzo Harris 13 attempts, 54 yards, 1 TD MSU -- L.J. Scott 29 attempts, 148 yards, 1 TD Top Receiving MD -- D.J. Moore 8 receptions, 76 yards MSU -- Matt sokol 1 receptions, 12 yards Top Tacklers MD -- Isaiah Davis / Jermaine Carter, Jr. 12 tackles MSU -- Joe Bachie 11 tackles Following the worst loss under head coach Mark Dantonio, the Spartans returned home for Senior Day against Maryland. On a rainy day that often turned to snow, both offenses struggled. However, on MSU 's first possession of the game, the Spartans moved 69 yards on 11 plays as L.J. Scott capped the drive with a two - yard touchdown run to give the Spartans the early 7 -- 0 lead. MSU added to the lead early in the second quarter as Brian Lewerke scored on a 25 - yard run to increase the lead to 14 -- 0. MSU continued to dominate the game moving inside the Terrapin 10 yard line on their next possession, but a Gerald Holmes fumble was recovered by Maryland at their own one - yard line to end the drive. As MSU 's defense dominated Maryland in the first half, the Spartans took a 14 -- 0 lead at the half. Late in the third quarter, MSU added to the lead again on a Matt Coghlin field goal to move the lead to 17 -- 0. Rain and snow continued to hamper both offenses as neither team could manage much offense. Maryland finally got on the board in the fourth quarter, scoring on a four - yard run by Lorenzo Harrison to reduce the lead to 17 -- 7. A missed field goal on the next Maryland possession gave the Spartans the ball as they were able to run out the clock for a 17 -- 7 win. The win moved the Spartans to 8 -- 3 on the season and 6 -- 2 in the Big Ten. However, a win by Ohio State that day eliminated MSU from the Big Ten Championship. MSU outgained Maryland 291 -- 204 while MSU 's offense rushed for 271 yards in the game with L.J. Scott accounting for 147 of the MSU rushing yards. Brian Lewerke struggled on the day, completing only two of 14 attempts for 20 yards. Rutgers See also : 2017 Rutgers Scarlet Knights football team Series Record Previous meeting Result 5 -- 3 Nov 12, 2016 MSU, 49 -- 0 Week Twleve : Michigan State at Rutgers -- Game summary Total No. 16 Michigan State 13 21 40 Rutgers 0 7 0 0 7 at High Point Solutions Stadium, Piscataway, NJ Date : November 25, 2017 Game time : 4 : 17 EST Game weather : 58 ° F ( 14 ° C ), Wind : 10 MPH S, Mostly Cloudy Game attendance : 35,021 Referee : Don Willard TV announcers ( FOX ) : Brian Custer ( play - by - play ), Ben Leber ( analyst ), Jen Hale ( sideline reporter ) Game information First Quarter MSU -- Connor Heyward 7 - yard pass from Brian Lewerke ( Matt Coghlin kick ). Spartans 7 -- 0. Drive : 9 plays, 75 yards, 5 : 11. MSU -- Matt Coghlin 26 - yard field goal. Spartans 10 -- 0. Drive : 4 plays, 0 yards, 0 : 54. MSU -- Matt Coghlin 26 - yard field goal. Spartans 13 -- 0. Drive : 13 plays, 40 yards, 7 : 12. Second Quarter RU -- Raheem Blackshear 42 - yard pass from Johnathan Lewis ( Andre Harte kick ). Spartans 13 -- 7. Drive : 5 plays, 73 yards, 1 : 45. MSU -- Matt Coghlin 46 - yard field goal. Spartans 16 -- 7. Drive : 6 plays, 22 yards, 3 : 06. Third Quarter MSU -- Matt Coghlin 32 - yard field goal. Spartans 19 -- 7. Drive : 11 plays, 55 yards, 5 : 20. Fourth Quarter MSU -- Gerald Holmes 2 - yard run ( Matt Coghlin kick ). Spartans 26 -- 7. Drive : 12 plays, 60 yards, 6 : 00. MSU -- Brian Lewerke 3 - yard run ( Matt Coghlin kick ). Spartans 33 -- 7. Drive : 8 plays, 48 yards, 4 : 01. MSU -- Madre London 3 - yard run ( Matt Coghlin kick ). Spartans 40 -- 7. Drive : 11 plays, 54 yards, 6 : 39. Top Passers MSU -- Brian Lewerke : 21 / 31, 222 yards, TD RU -- Johnathan Lewis : 6 / 16, 48 yards, TD, 2 INTs Top Rushers MSU -- Brian Lewerke : 12 attempts, 65 yards, TD RU -- Gus Edwards / Johnathan Lewis : 4 attempts, 12 yards Top Receiving MSU -- Felton Davis III : 6 receptions, 72 yards RU -- Raheem Blackshear : 2 receptions, 50 yards, TD Top Tacklers MSU -- Khari Willis : 3 tackles RU -- Trevor Morris : 19 tackles On the final day of the regular season, the Spartans travelled to New Jersey to take on Rutgers, the team against which MSU tallied its lone conference win from the prior year. MSU started fast scoring on their first possession as Brian Lewerke hit Connor Heyward from seven yards out for the early 7 -- 0 lead. On the ensuing Rutgers possession, MSU forced a fumble on the first play which was recovered by Andrew Dowell at the Rugers eight yard line. The Spartans were unable to get into the end zone, however, and settled for a Matt Coghlin 26 - yard field goal. Following a Scarlet Knight punt, MSU again moved deep into Rutgers territory, but again could not punch the ball in and settled for another 26 - yard field goal and a 13 -- 0 lead. Rutgers answered on their next possession early in the second quarter on a 42 - yard touchdown pass to pull within 13 -- 7. The Spartans were able to add another Coghlin field goal to take a 16 -- 7 lead at the half. Another field goal led off the third quarter for the Spartans as they took a 19 -- 7 lead with five minutes remaining in the third. On MSU 's next drive, the Spartans went 60 yards and 12 plays in six minutes and finally scored another touchdown early in the fourth quarter as Gerald Holmes ran in from two yards out to increase the lead to 26 -- 7. Following a Spartan interception, Brian Lewerke scored from three yards out on the next Spartan possession to push the lead to 33 -- 7. Another interception preceded another touchdown, this a Madre London three - yard run as the Spartans pushed the score to 40 -- 7 and ran away with the win. The Spartan defense performed well, limiting Rutgers to 112 total yards, only five first downs, and forcing three turnovers. Meanwhile, MSU ran for 209 yards and threw for 222 in the rout. The win capped a turnaround season as the Spartans went from a 3 -- 9 record in 2016 to 9 -- 3 record with the win. The Spartans finished at 7 -- 2 in the Big Ten in a tie for second place in the East division. Holiday Bowl See also : 2017 Washington State Cougars football team Series Record Previous meeting Result 5 -- 2 Sep 17, 1977 WSU, 23 -- 21 2017 Holiday Bowl : Michigan State vs. Washington State -- Game summary Total No. 16 Michigan State 0 21 14 7 42 No. 21 Washington State 0 7 7 17 at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, CA Date : December 28, 2017 Game time : 8 : 30 p.m. EST Game weather : 66 ° F ( 18 ° C ), Wind : 5 MPH N, Clear Game attendance : 47,092 Referee : Mark Cules TV announcers ( FS1 ) : Gus Johnson ( play - by - play ), Joel Klatt ( analyst ), Jenny Taft ( sideline reporter ) Game information First Quarter WSU -- Erik Powell 45 - yard field goal. Cougars 3 -- 0. Drive : 14 plays, 64 yards, 6 : 05. Second Quarter MSU -- Cody White 15 - yard pass from Brian Lewerke ( Matt Coghlin kick good ). Spartans 7 -- 3. Drive : 16 plays, 81 yards, 9 : 24. MSU -- Felton Davis 49 - yard pass from Brian Lewerke ( Matt Coghlin kick good ). Spartans 14 -- 3. Drive : 4 plays, 63 yards, 2 : 03. MSU -- LJ Scott 3 - yard run ( Matt Coghlin kick good ). Spartans 21 -- 3. Drive : 6 plays, 68 yards, 2 : 43. Third Quarter MSU -- Cody White 10 - yard pass from Brian Lewerke ( Matt Coghlin kick ). Spartans 28 -- 3. Drive : 10 plays, 67 yards, 4 : 32. MSU -- Damion Terry 6 - yard run ( Matt Coghlin kick good ). Spartans 35 -- 3. Drive : 7 plays, 27 yards, 3 : 47. WSU -- Davontavean Martin 14 - yard pass from Tyler Hilinski ( Erik Powell kick good ). Spartans 35 -- 10. Drive : 7 plays, 80 yards, 3 : 02. Fourth Quarter WSU -- Davontavean Martin 15 - yard pass from Tyler Hilinski ( Erik Powell kick good ). Spartans 35 -- 17. Drive : 9 plays, 67 yards, 2 : 57. MSU -- LJ Scott 28 - yard run ( Matt Coghlin kick ). Spartans 42 -- 17. Drive : 4 plays, 46 yards, 2 : 12. Top Passers MSU -- Brian Lewerke : 13 / 23, 213 yards, 3 TDs WSU -- Tyler Hilinski : 39 / 50, 272 yards, 2 TDs, INT Top Rushers MSU -- LJ Scott : 18 attempts, 110 yards, 2 TDs WSU -- James Williams : 3 attempts, 14 yards Top Receivers MSU -- Felton Davis III : 4 receptions, 118 yards, TD WSU -- James Williams : 10 receptions, 65 yards Top Tacklers MSU -- Joe Bachie / Chris Frey : 6 tackles WSU -- Isaac Dotson : 10 tackles Michigan State received an invitation to play Washington State in the 2017 Holiday Bowl. The appearance marked the Spartans first bowl appearance since playing in the College Football Playoffs during the 2015 season. Washington State was without its starting quarterback Luke Falk ( injury ) and its top two wide receivers ( dismissed from team ) for the game. Neither team 's offense started the game well with only the Cougars managing a field goal in the first quarter. In the second quarter, the game turned around for the Spartans. MSU scored the first touchdown of the game following a 16 - play, 81 yard, 9 : 24 second drive that was capped off by a Brian Lewerke touchdown pass to Cody White. The touchdown gave the Spartans the lead 7 -- 3, a lead they would never relinquish. Following a punt by WSU, the Spartans scored quickly on Lewerke 's 49 - yard touchdown pass to Felton Davis to increase the lead to 14 -- 3. The Spartan defense again forced WSU to punt and MSU took over with 3 : 12 remaining in the half. The Spartans scored another touchdown, their third straight touchdown, on an LJ Scott three - yard run to increase the lead to 21 -- 3 at the half. MSU kept the great play up in the second half, scoring their fourth touchdown on their fourth straight possession as Lewerke hit White again for a 10 - yard touchdown as the lead ballooned to 28 -- 3. WSU fumbled the ball on the ensuing possession and MSU capitalized as Lewerke moved MSU to the one yard line. However, Lewerke was forced to leave the game after being hit in the head on a rush. Senior quarterback Damian Terry replaced Lewerke and bowled his way in from six yards out to put the game out of reach at 35 -- 3. WSU scored their first touchdown on their next possession, however, to draw within 25 at 35 -- 10. Terry, still in the game for Lewerke was intercepted on the ensuing possession and WSU scored again narrowing the lead to 35 -- 17 with 8 : 25 left in the game. Following a failed onside kick by the Cougars, Lewerke returned to the game to hand the ball off to LJ Scott on four straight downs and Scott rushed for 46 yards, scoring from 28 yards out to push the lead to 42 -- 17. A Spartan interception on the next WSU possession ensured the game would end with an MSU victory. Terry returned to the game on the final MSU possession, but the Spartans were forced to punt. The Cougars had one last gasp, but ran out of time as the Spartans cruised to the 42 -- 17 victory. The Spartans dominated the Cougars in the game, out - gaining them 440 -- 296. MSU out - rushed WSU 227 -- 24 in the game and controlled the ball for nearly 37 minutes. The win was the largest bowl victory in MSU history. The win marked the 100th win at MSU for head coach Mark Dantonio, placing him second all - time in MSU history. The win was also the 10th on the season for the Spartans, their eighth 10 - win season, sixth under Dantonio, in school history. Following the game, MSU running back LJ Scott, who rushed the ball 18 times for 110 yards and two touchdowns, announced he would return to MSU for his senior season. Rankings Further information : 2017 NCAA Division I FBS football rankings Ranking movements Legend : █ █ Increase in ranking. █ █ Decrease in ranking. NR = Not ranked. RV = Received votes. ( ) = First place votes. Week Poll Pre 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Final AP RV RV RV RV NR NR 21 18 16 24 13 22 21 19 18 15 Coaches RV NR RV RV NR RV 22 19 18 RV 16 24 22 19 19 16 CFP Not released 24 12 17 16 16 16 Not released References Jump up ^ Report, Post Wire ( 2017 - 06 - 06 ). `` Michigan State football dismisses 3 players charged in sex assault ''. New York Post. Retrieved 2017 - 07 - 24. Jump up ^ Victor, Daniel ( 2017 - 06 - 06 ). `` Three Michigan State Football Players Charged With Sexual Assault ''. The New York Times. ISSN 0362 - 4331. Retrieved 2017 - 07 - 24. Jump up ^ `` Big Ten Announces 2016 and 2017 Conference Football Schedules '' ( Press release ). Michigan State University Department of Athletics. July 11, 2013. Retrieved February 16, 2017. Jump up ^ `` 2017 Michigan State Spartans Football Schedule ''. FB Schedules. Retrieved February 16, 2017. Jump up ^ `` Michigan State Official Athletic Site ''. www.msuspartans.com. Retrieved 2017 - 09 - 12. 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Jump up ^ `` MSUSPARTANS.COM : : Michigan State University Official Athletic Site Michigan State University Official Athletic Site : : Football ''. www.msuspartans.com. Retrieved 2017 - 11 - 20. Jump up ^ `` WSU QB Luke Falk sits out Holiday Bowl ; Tyler Hilinski makes first career start against Michigan State ''. The Seattle Times. 2017 - 12 - 28. Retrieved 2017 - 12 - 29. Jump up ^ `` No. 21 Washington State dismisses top receiver Tavares Martin Jr ''. USA TODAY. Retrieved 2017 - 12 - 29. Jump up ^ `` No. 21 Washington State dismisses top receiver Martin Jr ''. FOX Sports. 2017 - 12 - 10. Retrieved 2017 - 12 - 29. Jump up ^ `` Washington State will be without top two WRs vs. Michigan State in Holiday Bowl ''. MLive.com. Retrieved 2017 - 12 - 29. Jump up ^ `` Michigan State Football : : Official Athletic Site ''. www.msuspartans.com. Retrieved 2017 - 12 - 29. Jump up ^ `` MSU caps turnaround with ' program win ' in Holiday Bowl ''. Detroit News. Retrieved 2017 - 12 - 29. 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Michigan State Spartans football Venues Old College Field ( 1902 -- 1922 ) Spartan Stadium ( 1923 -- present ) Bowls & rivalries Bowl games Indiana ( Old Brass Spittoon ) Michigan ( Paul Bunyan Trophy ) Notre Dame ( Megaphone Trophy ) Ohio State Penn State ( Land Grant Trophy ) Culture & lore Sparty `` Victory for MSU '' Marching band Zeke the Wonder Dog Winged football helmet 1966 `` Game of the Century '' Clockgate 2006 Northwestern game People Head coaches Statistical leaders NFL draftees Seasons 1896 1897 1898 1899 1900 1901 1902 1903 1904 1905 1906 1907 1908 1909 1910 1911 1912 1913 1914 1915 1916 1917 1918 1919 1920 1921 1922 1923 1924 1925 1926 1927 1928 1929 1930 1931 1932 1933 1934 1935 1936 1937 1938 1939 1940 1941 1942 1943 1944 1945 1946 1947 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1984 1985 1986 2017 2018 National championship seasons in bold Retrieved from `` https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2017_Michigan_State_Spartans_football_team&oldid=823380570 '' Categories : 2017 Big Ten Conference football season Michigan State Spartans football seasons 2017 in sports in Michigan Holiday Bowl champion seasons Hidden categories : Articles with hCards Talk Contents About Wikipedia Add links This page was last edited on 31 January 2018, at 22 : 36. 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Question: who did michigan state lose to in 2017
Answer: Notre Dame