Michigan State did not find the end zone in a 15-6 victory over their archrival Michigan Wolverines, but on Saturday night, the Spartans didn't need to. A combination of a strong kicking game, elite defensive play and an offense that was able to control the clock and avoid turning the ball was enough to get the job done.
Fifth-year senior kicker Liam Boyd was the only Michigan State player to score points on Saturday. He made all five of his field goal attempts from 21, 37, 38, 24 and 49 yards, respectively. Boyd’s poise, accuracy and power helped lift MSU past UM.
Michigan State held Michigan to 192 total yards, while amassing 298 total yards. The Spartan defense forced four turnovers (two interceptions and two fumble recoveries) against the Wolverines, but did not give the ball away a single time on offense. MSU's pass rush also generated five sacks on Michigan quarterback Tommy Carr.
Of course, MSU would prefer to finish drives in the end zone, and there were times where head coach Pat Fitzgerald said he really wanted to go for it on fourth down, instead of kicking a field goal deep into Michigan's territory. However, Fitzgerald also didn't want to be reckless, and he has full faith in Boyd - and for good reason.
"Liam was money," Fitzgerald said about Boyd. "I mean, right down the — It looked like, from my vantage point — right down the middle with every kick. And protection was pretty dang solid also. So really proud of him."
Fitzgerald also praised punter Rhys Dakin for his ability to flip the field.
"I don't know if there (is anything that) could make this sweeter," Boyd said about MSU's win over Michigan. "It's just amazing."
