Michigan State Beats Michigan behind Kenneth Walker’s Five Touchdowns

Michigan State running back Kenneth Walker III rushed for 197 yards and all five of the Spartans’ touchdowns as #8 Michigan State downed #6 Michigan 37-33 in East Lansing on October 30th. Both teams were 7-0 coming into the game. Michigan led 30-14 in the third quarter before being outscored 23-3 the rest of the way in a huge comeback by the Spartans.

Michigan State, 5-0 in the Big Ten and 8-0 overall, is tied with Ohio State at the top of the Big Ten East. The Buckeyes are 7-1 overall, losing to nonconference opponent Oregon. Michigan is 4-1 and 7-1. Ohio State beat fading #22 Penn State (2-3, 5-3) 33-24, and at this point it’s realistic to assume the East winner will be Ohio State, Michigan, or Michigan State. The Buckeye host Michigan State on November 20th, and will play at Michigan on November 27th to close out the regular season.

Michigan State moved up to #5 in the AP Top 25 poll, displacing Ohio State, who dropped to #6. Michigan dropped three spots to #9. In the Big Ten West, #9 Iowa (3-2, 6-2) lost 27-7 at Wisconsin. West leader Minnesota (4-1, 6-2) beat Northwestern. Minnesota plays at now #19 Iowa on November 13th, and the West championship may very well hinge on the Minnesota at Wisconsin game November 27th.