Late special teams breakdown dooms Michigan State in 24-21 loss to Northwestern
A late blocked field goal proved costly as Michigan State squandered an eight-point fourth-quarter lead in a heartbreaking 24-21 loss to Northwestern.
Michigan State has found little success since opening the 2026 season with back-to-back wins over Mid-American Conference opponents. The Spartans built a 14-10 halftime lead over visiting Northwestern, then extended it to 21-13 in the fourth quarter.
But a furious fourth-quarter comeback by the Wildcats, capped by a bizarre series of special teams miscues in the final minutes, left the Spartans heartbroken once again.
Michigan State fell 24-21 after Northwestern kicker Jackson Kleather made a 34-yard field goal with two seconds remaining.
The loss came despite a strong performance by the Michigan State defensive line, which recorded 10 tackles for loss and five sacks.
Michigan State’s offense played well in stretches. Running back Jaziun Patterson rushed for 72 yards on 15 carries, and quarterback Alessio Milivojevic completed 19 of 30 passes for 216 yards and two touchdowns.
But Milivojevic was inconsistent, missing several open receivers on plays that could have shifted the game’s momentum.
Special teams also delivered several big plays, including a blocked field goal, a thwarted fake punt, and punt and kickoff returns of more than 40 yards.
Once again, however, Michigan State finished a few inches short of victory.
Spartan tailback Marvis Parrish extends for a few extra inches against the Wildcats. Photo Credit: Marvin Hall/Spartans Illustrated
The Spartans started fast, taking the opening kickoff and quickly advancing into Northwestern territory. But early inaccuracy and indecision from Milivojevic contributed to a failed fourth-down conversion at the Wildcats’ 44-yard line.
Michigan State’s defense also started fast, holding the Wildcats to minus-4 yards and a three-and-out on their first possession.
The Spartans’ second possession ended quickly. Northwestern defender Michael Kilbane hit Milivojevic’s arm as the quarterback attempted a third-down pass, then recovered the fumble at the Michigan State 10-yard line.
Michigan State’s defense held firm, pushing Northwestern backward and forcing a third-down fumble. The Wildcats recovered the loose ball, however, and settled for a 39-yard field goal to take an early lead.
On the ensuing kickoff, Kenneth Williams returned the ball past midfield to give the Spartans excellent field position. Michigan State capitalized as Milivojevic directed a 12-play drive that ended in the Northwestern end zone.
Michigan State converted a third-and-1 and two fourth-and-1 plays on the drive, including Milivojevic’s 3-yard touchdown scramble for a 7-3 lead.
At the end of the first quarter, Michigan State held a 72-13 advantage in total yardage.
Northwestern’s offense gained traction on its third possession. Aidan Chiles led the Wildcats on a 12-play, 75-yard drive capped by Caleb Komolafe’s 10-yard run up the middle.
The Spartans responded by driving into Northwestern territory, with Milivojevic converting a third-and-long on a pass over the middle to Fredrick Moore.
After Michigan State failed on third-and-1 from the Northwestern 39, Milivojevic missed a wide-open Rodney Bullard Jr. on fourth-and-2. It was the Spartans’ second turnover on downs of the half.
Chiles and the Wildcats appeared poised to extend their lead on the next drive. After reaching the Michigan State 23, however, Drew Wagner dropped a likely touchdown pass on third down.
Michigan State’s special teams responded as Eli Coenen got a hand on the 41-yard field-goal attempt, keeping the score at 10-7.
With 2:48 remaining in the half, Milivojevic again guided the Spartans into Wildcats territory. On first-and-10 from the 32, he narrowly missed Bullard on a shot to the end zone. On second-and-10, Michigan State called a nearly identical play, and Bryson Williams hauled in the pass for a 14-10 lead.
Anelu Lafaele’s sack of Chiles ended Northwestern’s hopes of scoring before halftime, and Michigan State took a 14-10 lead into the break.
Spartan quarterback Alessio Milivojevic gave Michigan State an early 7-3 lead on a scramble from the 3-yard line. Photo Credit: Marvin Hall/Spartans Illustrated
The teams traded three-and-outs to open the second half. Chiles missed a receiver on third-and-6, and Milivojevic had a third-and-2 pass batted down on Michigan State’s ensuing possession.
Northwestern then mounted a 14-play drive that reached the Michigan State red zone. The Spartans’ defense tightened, forcing a 37-yard field goal that cut the lead to 14-13 with 4:24 remaining in the third quarter.
After another Michigan State three-and-out, the Wildcats appeared to be in business again as Chiles moved Northwestern to midfield.
As the game moved into the fourth quarter, Michigan State’s defensive front made another statement.
Defensive lineman Keahnist Thompson and linebacker Dion Crawford combined for the defense’s eighth tackle for loss. Ben Roberts then dropped his former teammate Chiles for a 14-yard sack.
Two plays later, Northwestern punted, and Chrishon McCray returned the kick 41 yards to the Michigan State 48.
A false-start penalty threatened to stall the drive, but on second-and-11, Milivojevic found McCray on a deep post route. McCray got behind the defense and raced into the end zone to give the Spartans a 21-13 lead.
The Wildcats answered quickly. Chiles led Northwestern on a nine-play, 77-yard drive, finishing it with a 1-yard touchdown run. The Wildcats converted the 2-point try to tie the score at 21 with 7:24 remaining.
The kicking game was crucial for both teams on Saturday afternoon. Photo Credit: Marvin Hall/Spartans Illustrated
On Michigan State’s next possession, Bullard again got behind the defense on third-and-3. Milivojevic overthrew him, however, forcing a punt with 5:54 to play.
With 3:29 remaining, Northwestern attempted a fake punt from its 28-yard line. The pass was tipped and fell incomplete, giving the Spartans possession with a chance to deliver the knockout blow.
An illegal-snap penalty stalled Michigan State’s final drive and forced a 33-yard field-goal attempt. This time, Northwestern’s special teams made the pivotal play, blocking the kick and giving Chiles and the Wildcats one final chance.
With 60 seconds remaining, Chiles moved Northwestern 64 yards in eight plays to the Michigan State 16, setting up Kleather’s winning field goal.
Michigan State fell to 2-5 overall and 0-4 in Big Ten play. The Spartans will travel to Los Angeles next weekend to face No. 12 UCLA at the Rose Bowl.
