The Spartains did it. They defeated mighty OSU in the biggest upset of the year in college football. MSU, down 24-9 in the third quarter, made the necessary adjustments to rally with ten fourth quarter points, while stuffing Ohio State's offense in the second half, to shock the college football world. Michigan State was a 28 point underdog! Spartan PK Paul Edinger booted five field goals in this game (including a 49 yarder) and five in last week's contest vs. Northwestern for a school-record ten in a row. His consistency was the difference. MSU's defense did a number on Ohio State's offense by sacking QB Joe Germaine five times and forcing five turnovers (4 fumbles and one INT). After the first quarter (a 17 - 3 OSU lead), the Buckeyes could only score one touchdown, a 73 yard interception return by DB Damon Moore. Ohio State almost came back and won the game. The Spartans punted to David Boston who returned the kick 25 yards to the OSU 48 yard line to give Joe Germaine's offense one last crack at staying undefeated. Two quick pass plays resulted in a first down at the MSU 15 yard line with 1:29 left. Four unsuccessful passes later ended the dream of playing "for all the marbles" in the Fiesta Bowl on Jan 4th, 1999. For Ohio State Germaine was 16-34-1 INT for 239 yards and one touchdown (a 41 yarder to TE John Lumpkin in the first quarter). Michael Wiley ran for 100 yards on 22 carries and a score (a one yard run in the first quarter). For Michigan State QB Bill Burke's passing accuracy percentage wasn't very good, but he made his passes count with big plays. He was 18-46-1 INT for 323 yards and one touchdown (a 23 yard toss to WR Zovell Richardson). WR Plaxico Burress used his height (6 feet 6 inches) advantage to catch 4 passes for 125 yards (a 31.25 yard average). |
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