After a huge win against Oregon last week, No. 4 Michigan State is doing what it can to assure there is no hangover this week against Air Force. The Spartans have been efficient in the passing game but have struggled to get the running game going in the first half against the visiting Falcons. Michigan State owns a 28-7 halftime lead regardless.
Connor Cook (9-13-0, 158 yards, 3 TDs) opened the scoring midway through the first quarter with the first of his three touchdown passes. The first went to Josiah Price from 15 yards out. The second and third came later in the second quarter to Aaron Burbridge from 28 yards and 32 yards, respectively. That gave Michigan State a little more breathing room entering the halftime break. The other Spartans touchdown was scored on a fumble returned for a touchdown by safety RJ Williamson.
Michigan State has managed just 34 rushing yards at the half despite trying to run the ball 20 times. Credit the Air Force defense for not allowing that to take off. Of course, Air Force’s offense is too one dimensional to keep pace with Michigan State. Air Force has negative passing yards (-1 yard on one pass attempt by Karson Roberts), but the Falcons have rushed for 131 yards.