Two early touchdown passes from Connor Cook to Tony Lippett was all Michigan State needed to see off Jacksonville State. The Spartans ended up winning by a final score line of 45-7, but not without worry.

Michigan State's first drive was highlighted by a beautiful pass from Cook to Lippett for 64 yards. Lippett did well to stay in bounds and reach the ball over the goal line. However, Cook took a shot directly to his left knee from Jacksonville State's Folo Johnson. Cook limped off the field and was immediately taken to the trainer's table for further evaluation.

It was clearly nothing serious, as the next drive saw Cook hit Lippett on a 71 yard touchdown strike. It was a short route, but a blown coverage in the secondary left Lippett wide open and he did the rest as he sprinted away from the defense. Cook threw a third touchdown pass in the first quarter, this one to AJ Troup for 17 yards and Michigan State led 21-0.

Nick Hill showed some nice moves and great speed in the second quarter on his 17 yard touchdown run. He added another touchdown run with over five minutes left in the first half from 8 yards out. At 35-0, it was clear that Michigan State did not to give Jacksonville State any hope. It would be 38-0 at halftime when Michael Geiger hit a 35 yard field goal.

Jacksonville State got a touchdown in the third quarter when Max Shortell found Markis Merrill for an 8 yard strike. Merrill showed incredible strength and determination to get in the end zone as he avoided letting his knee hit the ground to give the Gamecocks their only points of the game.

The Spartans' backup quarterback, Tyler O'Connor, ran for a 3 yard touchdown in the third quarter to get to the final score line of 45-7.

Connor Cook finished the game on 12 of 13 passing with 285 yards and 3 touchdowns. Tony Lippett led the receivers with 4 catches for 167 yards and 2 touchdowns. Jeremy Langford ran for 57 yards on 13 carries while Nick Hill had 11 carries for 42 yards and 2 touchdowns.

The Spartans run defense was excellent on Friday night. They gave up a total of 22 yards on 25 rushing attempts. They also forced three turnovers and only allowed Jacksonville State to complete 18 of their 37 passes.

Eli Jenkins started the game for Jacksonville State, but he failed to make an impact. He went 5 of 13 for 82 yards and 2 interceptions. He also ran for 7 yards on 12 carries. Max Shortell looked okay in the backup role with 10 of 18 passing for 117 yards and a touchdown.

The leading rusher for the Gamecocks was Christian LeMay with 23 yards on 5 carries. Josh Barge had a very good game at receiver with 7 receptions for 98 yards.

Jacksonville State will face Chattanooga next week on the road. Chattanooga is coming off a close loss to Central Michigan on Thursday night.

Michigan State has a very tough game next week on the road against Oregon. The Ducks are currently ranked at #3 and Autzen Stadium is one of the toughest places to play in the country.

VAVEL Logo
About the author
Matthew Dixon
I follow College Football at all levels; FBS, FCS, Division II, and Division III. In addition, I am a horse racing enthusiast.