|
|
ND |
MICHST |
Opportunistic Irish handle Michigan State 38-18
EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) Brian Lewerke threw toward the left side of the field and Julian Love broke to the ball.
''I really don't remember the rest,'' the Notre Dame cornerback said.
Love intercepted the pass and had open field in front of him, scoring on a 59-yard return in the first quarter that gave the Irish a comfortable early lead in their 38-18 victory over Michigan State on Saturday night. Notre Dame was outgained but never trailed. The Irish took control by forcing three crucial turnovers in the first half.
Brandon Wimbush threw for a touchdown and ran for one for Notre Dame, and Dexter Williams caught a touchdown pass and ran for a TD. Deon McIntosh added a scoring run for the Irish (3-1).
It was the first time Michigan State (2-1) went an entire regular-season game without leading in over five years.
Michigan State hadn't allowed an offensive touchdown through its first two games, but Notre Dame put an end to that run by driving 78 yards in 1:55 on the game's first possession. Wimbush opened the scoring with a 16-yard run, and then Love picked off Lewerke's pass and ran it back to give the Irish a 14-point advantage.
''We got the pick-six and got up 14-0, then we were able to control the football a little bit,'' Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly said. ''Then when you get a lead on the road, I thought that Brandon Wimbush did a really good job of controlling the offense. And then again I think like everything else, if you take care of the football, which we did today, good things happen.''
Lewerke broke free for a 52-yard run on what looked like a simple quarterback sneak on third-and-1. That set up his 4-yard touchdown pass to Darrell Stewart. But in the second quarter, Lewerke fumbled while trying to scramble out of trouble on third down, giving Notre Dame the ball at the Michigan State 24. Wimbush threw an 8-yard TD pass to Williams to make it 21-7.
''The interception was just a bad decision. On the fumble I've got to keep the ball tucked in,'' said Lewerke, who threw for 340 yards and two TDs. ''The fumble shouldn't happen. The interception shouldn't happen, either.''
The Spartans were still very much in the game, but they couldn't overcome their next giveaway. LJ Scott was about to score when Notre Dame cornerback Shaun Crawford forced a fumble and recovered the ball in the end zone for a touchback.
Williams scored on a 14-yard run to give Notre Dame a 28-7 halftime lead.
Crawford intercepted two passes and recovered a fumble in a win at Boston College last weekend.
The last time Michigan State went a whole regular-season game without leading was Sept. 15, 2012, in a 20-3 loss to Notre Dame.
THE TAKEAWAY
Notre Dame: The Irish rushed for 515 yards in that win over Boston College. Michigan State provided more resistance, but Notre Dame still showcased a balanced running game and avoided mistakes. It was a poised performance on the road in a tough environment.
''To come in here against a team that's nationally ranked defensively, and take the football away like we did and to be opportunistic, I'm really, really pleased with the results,'' Kelly said.
Michigan State: The Spartans didn't look overmatched in this game, but they made crucial mistakes. The turnovers obviously hurt, and Michigan State was also penalized nine times for 97 yards.
''We had nine penalties. We had six in our first two games,'' coach Mark Dantonio said. ''But ultimately the turnovers are what crush you.''
POLL IMPLICATIONS
Notre Dame: The Irish received 57 votes in the most recent AP Top 25, finishing five spots out of the ranking. There probably won't be enough shuffling for them to move in next week, but a comfortable win on the road won't hurt.
HEAVY PRICE
Michigan State has paid dearly for turning the ball over this season. The Spartans have already allowed four return touchdowns - two fumbles, a kickoff and the interception Saturday.
Michigan State has lost six fumbles, including three by Scott, who has fumbled twice near the opponent's goal line.
TAKING ADVANTAGE
Notre Dame scored touchdowns on all four of its trips to the red zone. The Irish are now 19 for 19 in the red zone this season with 15 touchdowns.
UP NEXT
Notre Dame: The Irish host Miami of Ohio next Saturday.
Michigan State: The Spartans open their conference schedule at home against Iowa. It will be the teams' first meeting since Michigan State edged the Hawkeyes 16-13 in the 2015 Big Ten title game, securing a berth in college football's playoff.
---
More AP college football: www.collegefootball.ap.org and https://twitter.com/AP-Top25 .
---
Follow Noah Trister at www.Twitter.com/noahtrister
Copyright 2017 by STATS. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS is strictly prohibited.
Team Stats | ||
---|---|---|
1st Downs | 0 | 0 |
Rushing | 0 | 0 |
Passing | 0 | 0 |
Penalty | 0 | 0 |
3rd Down Conv | 0-0 | 0-0 |
4th Down Conv | 0-0 | 0-0 |
Total Net Yards | 0 | 0 |
Total Plays | 0 | 0 |
Avg Gain | 0 | 0 |
Net Yards Rushing | 0 | 0 |
Rush Attempts | 0 | 0 |
Avg Rush Yards | 0 | 0 |
Yards Passing | 0 | 0 |
Comp. - Att. | 0-0 | 0-0 |
Yards Per Pass | 0 | 0 |
Penalties - Yards | 0-0 | 0-0 |
Touchdowns | ||
Rushing TDs | 0 | 0 |
Passing TDs | 0 | 0 |
Other | ||
Turnovers | 0 | 0 |
Fumbles - Lost | 0-0 | 0-0 |
Int. Thrown | 0 | 0 |
Punts - Avg | 0-0 | 0-0 |
Return Yards | ||
Punts - Returns | 0-0 | 0-0 |
Kickoffs - Returns | 0-0 | 0-0 |
Int. - Returns | 0-0 | 0-0 |
Safeties | 0 | 0 |
|
Passing | CP/ATT | YDS | TD | INT |
B. WimbushÂ
7 QB
|
B. Wimbush | 14/20 | 173 | 1 | 0 |
Rushing | ATT | YDS | TD | LG |
J. AdamsÂ
33 RB
|
J. Adams | 9 | 56 | 0 | 30 | ||||||||||||||||||||
B. WimbushÂ
7 QB
|
B. Wimbush | 8 | 52 | 1 | 32 | ||||||||||||||||||||
D. WilliamsÂ
2 RB
|
D. Williams | 8 | 40 | 1 | 14 | ||||||||||||||||||||
D. McIntoshÂ
38 RB
|
D. McIntosh | 12 | 35 | 1 | 14 | ||||||||||||||||||||
I. BookÂ
12 QB
|
I. Book | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
C. SandersÂ
3 WR
|
C. Sanders | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
C. ClaypoolÂ
83 WR
|
C. Claypool | 1 | -2 | 0 | -2 |
Receiving | TAR | REC | YDS | TD | LG |
E. St. BrownÂ
6 WR
|
E. St. Brown | 0 | 4 | 61 | 0 | 40 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
C. ClaypoolÂ
83 WR
|
C. Claypool | 0 | 4 | 56 | 0 | 27 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
D. SmytheÂ
80 TE
|
D. Smythe | 0 | 1 | 21 | 0 | 21 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
A. MackÂ
86 TE
|
A. Mack | 0 | 2 | 15 | 0 | 15 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
M. BoykinÂ
81 WR
|
M. Boykin | 0 | 1 | 12 | 0 | 12 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
D. WilliamsÂ
2 RB
|
D. Williams | 0 | 1 | 8 | 1 | 8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
C. SandersÂ
3 WR
|
C. Sanders | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
J. AdamsÂ
33 RB
|
J. Adams | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
N. WeisharÂ
82 TE
|
N. Weishar | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
C. SmithÂ
15 WR
|
C. Smith | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Defense | T-A | SACK | INT |
N. MorganÂ
5 LB
|
N. Morgan | 8-1 | 0.0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
D. TranquillÂ
23 LB
|
D. Tranquill | 6-0 | 1.0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
G. MartiniÂ
48 LB
|
G. Martini | 5-1 | 0.0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
J. LoveÂ
27 CB
|
J. Love | 5-0 | 0.0 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||
T. ConeyÂ
4 LB
|
T. Coney | 4-4 | 0.0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
J. ElliottÂ
21 S
|
J. Elliott | 3-1 | 0.0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
A. TrumbettiÂ
98 DL
|
A. Trumbetti | 3-1 | 0.0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
D. VaughnÂ
8 CB
|
D. Vaughn | 3-0 | 0.0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
N. WatkinsÂ
7 CB
|
N. Watkins | 3-1 | 0.0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
T. Pride Jr.Â
18 CB
|
T. Pride Jr. | 2-0 | 0.0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
A. BilalÂ
22 LB
|
A. Bilal | 2-0 | 0.0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
J. BonnerÂ
55 DL
|
J. Bonner | 2-1 | 0.0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
K. KareemÂ
53 DL
|
K. Kareem | 1-0 | 0.0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
N. ColemanÂ
24 S
|
N. Coleman | 1-0 | 0.0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
J. HayesÂ
93 DL
|
J. Hayes | 1-1 | 0.0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
S. CrawfordÂ
20 CB
|
S. Crawford | 1-3 | 0.0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
J. Genmark-HeathÂ
13 S
|
J. Genmark-Heath | 1-0 | 0.0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
I. RobertsonÂ
17 S
|
I. Robertson | 1-0 | 0.0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
M. Tagovailoa-AmosaÂ
95 DL
|
M. Tagovailoa-Amosa | 1-1 | 0.0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
F. CanteenÂ
11 WR
|
F. Canteen | 0-1 | 0.0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
J. TilleryÂ
99 DL
|
J. Tillery | 0-3 | 0.5 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
D. HayesÂ
9 DL
|
D. Hayes | 0-1 | 0.0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
J. OkwaraÂ
42 DL
|
J. Okwara | 0-1 | 0.5 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Ja. JonesÂ
44 LB
|
Ja. Jones | 0-1 | 0.0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Jo. JonesÂ
45 LB
|
Jo. Jones | 0-1 | 0.0 | 0 |
Kicking | FG | LG | XP | PTS |
J. YoonÂ
19 K
|
J. Yoon | 1/1 | 46 | 5/5 | 8 |
Punting | NO | AVG | IN20 | LG |
T. NewsomeÂ
85 P
|
T. Newsome | 4 | 38.3 | 3 | 56 |
Kickoff Returns | NO | AVG | LG | TD |
C. SandersÂ
3 WR
|
C. Sanders | 2 | 32.5 | 38 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
M. YoungÂ
87 WR
|
M. Young | 1 | 18.0 | 18 | 0 |
Punt Returns | NO | AVG | LG | TD |
C. Finke 10 WR
|
C. Finke | 1 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 |
Passing | CP/ATT | YDS | TD | INT |
B. LewerkeÂ
14 QB
|
B. Lewerke | 31/51 | 340 | 2 | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
T. JacksonÂ
86 WR
|
T. Jackson | 1/1 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
Rushing | ATT | YDS | TD | LG |
L. ScottÂ
3 RB
|
L. Scott | 11 | 61 | 0 | 15 | ||||||||||||||||||||
B. LewerkeÂ
14 QB
|
B. Lewerke | 9 | 56 | 0 | 52 | ||||||||||||||||||||
G. HolmesÂ
24 RB
|
G. Holmes | 6 | 22 | 0 | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||
M. LondonÂ
28 RB
|
M. London | 4 | 10 | 0 | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||
D. Stewart Jr.Â
25 WR
|
D. Stewart Jr. | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 |
Receiving | TAR | REC | YDS | TD | LG |
H. RisonÂ
5 WR
|
H. Rison | 0 | 4 | 73 | 0 | 24 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
T. JacksonÂ
86 WR
|
T. Jackson | 0 | 5 | 69 | 0 | 22 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
D. Stewart Jr.Â
25 WR
|
D. Stewart Jr. | 0 | 6 | 41 | 1 | 9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
F. Davis IIIÂ
18 WR
|
F. Davis III | 0 | 4 | 38 | 0 | 17 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Ma. SokolÂ
81 TE
|
Ma. Sokol | 0 | 2 | 35 | 0 | 18 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
G. HolmesÂ
24 RB
|
G. Holmes | 0 | 2 | 30 | 1 | 25 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
C. WhiteÂ
7 WR
|
C. White | 0 | 2 | 21 | 0 | 12 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
C. ChambersÂ
21 WR
|
C. Chambers | 0 | 2 | 15 | 0 | 8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
M. DotsonÂ
89 TE
|
M. Dotson | 0 | 1 | 7 | 0 | 7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
M. LondonÂ
28 RB
|
M. London | 0 | 2 | 7 | 0 | 7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
B. LewerkeÂ
14 QB
|
B. Lewerke | 0 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
L. ScottÂ
3 RB
|
L. Scott | 0 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 4 |
Defense | T-A | SACK | INT |
M. MorrisseyÂ
10 S
|
M. Morrissey | 7-3 | 0.0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
K. WillekesÂ
48 DE
|
K. Willekes | 7-3 | 0.0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
K. WillisÂ
27 S
|
K. Willis | 5-2 | 0.0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
A. DowellÂ
5 LB
|
A. Dowell | 4-2 | 0.0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
J. LayneÂ
2 CB
|
J. Layne | 4-0 | 0.0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
C. FreyÂ
23 LB
|
C. Frey | 3-0 | 1.0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
J. BachieÂ
35 LB
|
J. Bachie | 3-1 | 0.0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
M. PanasiukÂ
72 DT
|
M. Panasiuk | 3-1 | 0.0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
T. SmithÂ
15 CB
|
T. Smith | 2-0 | 0.0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
A. SimmonsÂ
34 LB
|
A. Simmons | 2-1 | 0.0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
J. ScottÂ
22 CB
|
J. Scott | 1-1 | 0.0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
D. TerryÂ
6 QB
|
D. Terry | 1-0 | 0.0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
B. BulloughÂ
38 LB
|
B. Bullough | 1-3 | 0.0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
J. ButlerÂ
19 CB
|
J. Butler | 1-0 | 0.0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
R. WilliamsÂ
99 DT
|
R. Williams | 1-1 | 0.0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
G. OwensÂ
41 DT
|
G. Owens | 0-1 | 0.0 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||
T. ThompsonÂ
17 LB
|
T. Thompson | 0-1 | 0.0 | 0 |
Kicking | FG | LG | XP | PTS |
M. CoghlinÂ
4 K
|
M. Coghlin | 1/1 | 40 | 1/1 | 4 |
Punting | NO | AVG | IN20 | LG |
J. HartbargerÂ
25 P
|
J. Hartbarger | 3 | 49.0 | 0 | 57 |
Kickoff Returns | NO | AVG | LG | TD |
D. Stewart Jr.Â
25 WR
|
D. Stewart Jr. | 3 | 26.3 | 32 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
A. WelchÂ
88 WR
|
A. Welch | 1 | 27.0 | 27 | 0 |
Punt Returns | NO | AVG | LG | TD |