Injured Conklin not dressed for No. 2 Spartans

Michigan State did not commit a single turnover today while Purdue turned the ball over three times, which hurt their chances to score on key drives, where two of their turnovers were in Michigan State territory.

The Spartans were also jumped by No. 2 TCU, which rose two spots after its 50-7 victory over Texas.

“We’re the No. 1 drama on TV”, joked co-defensive coordinator Harlon Barnett.

As for Michigan, the offense hasn’t been impressive, but it hasn’t mattered because the defense is among the best in the country. The potential is there for things to start getting better fast with three home games in the next four, and a week off along the way, but it would be nice to come up with a good performance first against a top three team.

Will Michigan State dispose of Purdue or will this one play much closer than expected?

Then the rains came. MSU has now scored 30-plus in the last 12 games, yet it took the fourth quarter outburst against Central Michigan to avoid ending that streak.

The No. 2 MSU football team leads Purdue 21-0 at the half.

All of the above is out of Michigan State’s control, and ultimately moot, if the Spartans just win out.

“I think that they understand that a few of those (nonconference) opponents are pretty good”, Hazell said. I keep saying it every week: There is a lot of parity in college football. “I thought it was going to work”. “We won going away, which is probably as important as anything”.

Six plays later the Spartans punted, giving Purdue fans everywhere the biggest anxiety attack of the season.

“The bottom line is just win, ” Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio said.

“I think we knew what we were capable of doing, like breaking out for a long touchdown, ” Jones said. “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well”. The game is scheduled for a noon start time and it will be televised nationally on ESPN2. And with Kurtis Drummond off to the National Football League, the plan was for Nicholson to form an intimidating duo with fifth-year senior safety RJ Williamson. Here are the game’s top moments from the first 30 minutes of action. It’s time for the offense to prove they can run against a Big Ten defense. Scott have combined for 505 rushing yards and five touchdowns.

The Spartan secondary looks to get their swagger back against an overmatched Boilermaker side. After a missed field goal by the Spartans, the Boilermakers took over on their own 20-yard line and four plays later Jones took the handoff 68 yards for a touchdown.

-CB Darian Hicks played as a true freshman in 2013 and was the starter for most of the 2014 season, but he struggled late in the year and a case of mononucleosis at the start of preseason camp put him behind in the battle at cornerback. He threw for 340 yards and a pair of touchdowns, but what he’ll see from Michigan State is light years beyond what he saw from Bowling Green. Tight end Jamal Lyles allowed a TD pass to get knocked out of his hands.