Michigan State Spartans
FILE - In this Sept. 22, 2018, file photo, Michigan State quarterback Brian Lewerke throws during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Indiana in Bloomington, Ind. It's been an up-and-down season for Michigan State quarterback Brian Lewerke, who now faces the nation's top-ranked pass defense when the Spartans take on Michigan this weekend. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings, File)
Lewerke on the spot against Michigan's tough defense

By Noah Trister Oct. 17, 2018 06:50 PM EDT

Michigan State's Elijah Collins (24) stands on the bench and celebrates after his team scored against Penn State with 19 seconds left in an NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018. (AP Photo/Chris Knight)
No. 24 Spartans have 'chip' back with No. 6 Michigan looming

By Noah Trister Oct. 16, 2018 06:36 PM EDT

FILE - At left, in a Sept. 8, 2018, file photo, Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio watches his team during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Arizona State, in Tempe, Ariz. At right, in an Oct. 13, 2018, file photo, Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh is shown during an NCAA college football game against Wisconsin, in Ann Arbor, Mich. No. 6 Michigan plays at No. 24 Michigan State on Saturday. (AP Photo/File)
No. 6 Michigan up against history at No. 24 Michigan State

By Larry Lage Oct. 15, 2018 06:52 PM EDT

Texas wide receiver Collin Johnson (9) and defensive lineman Breckyn Hager (44) celebrate their win over Baylor with teammates after an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018, in Austin, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
AP Top 25 Heat Check: No style points necessary in 2nd half

By Ralph D. Russo Oct. 15, 2018 03:08 AM EDT

Penn State's Donovan Johnson (2) tackles Michigan State's Laress Nelson (13) after a catch during the second half of an NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018. (AP Photo/Chris Knight)
Lewerke rallies Michigan State over No. 8 Penn State, 21-17

By Travis Johnson Oct. 13, 2018 07:50 PM EDT

Penn State quarterback Trace McSorley (9) rolls out of the pocket looking to pass against Michigan State during the first half of an NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018. (AP Photo/Chris Knight)
Michigan State at Penn State 10/13/2018

Oct. 13, 2018 05:34 PM EDT

Ohio State quarterback Dwayne Haskins drops back to pass against Minnesota during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018, in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State beat Minnesota 30-14. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
No. 13 LSU beats No. 2 Georgia 36-16 at Death Valley

By The Associated Pres Oct. 13, 2018 05:16 PM EDT

FILE- In this Sept. 15, 2018, file photo Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald directs his team against Akron during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Evanston, Ill. Nebraska plays Northwestern on Saturday, Oct. 13, (AP Photo/Matt Marton, File)
With Frost eyeing first win, Nebraska meets Northwestern

By Andrew Seligman Oct. 12, 2018 01:14 PM EDT

Nittany Lions wary of Michigan State's tough run defense

By Travis Johnson Oct. 12, 2018 11:49 AM EDT
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) — A bye week allowed Penn State players to watch more film on their upcoming opponent, but all viewings showed the same thing: Michigan State...

Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo listens to a question at a press conference during Big Ten NCAA college basketball media day Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018, in Rosemont, Ill. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Izzo says he never tried to cover up sex assault allegations

By Andrew Seligman Oct. 11, 2018 06:48 PM EDT

No. 8 Penn State looks to avoid repeat against Michigan St

By The Associated Press Oct. 11, 2018 04:45 PM EDT
Michigan State (3-2, 1-1 Big Ten) at No. 8 Penn State (4-1, 1-1), 3:30 p.m. ET (BTN). Line: Penn State by 13½. Series record: Michigan...

FILE - In this Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, file photo, Michigan State's Felton Davis scores on a 48-yard run against Northwestern during the third quarter of an NCAA college football game in East Lansing, Mich. Davis took the ball on a double reverse, cut inside and ran 48 yards for a touchdown in a 29-19 loss to Northwestern. (AP Photo/Al Goldis, File)
Trick plays counter Big Ten's '3 yards, cloud of dust' image

By Eric Olson Oct. 11, 2018 11:54 AM EDT

FILE - In this Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018, file photo, Penn State quarterback Trace McSorley (9) throws a pass against Kent State during the first half of an NCAA college football game in State College, Pa. McSorley has thrown for a total of 757 yards and seven touchdowns in his last two games against the Spartans, and the spotlight will be on him again because Michigan State famously stuffs the run but can’t stop the pass. (AP Photo/Chris Knight, File)
Wisconsin-Michigan crossover game tops Big Ten's schedule

By Eric Olson Oct. 11, 2018 02:59 AM EDT

Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio reacts during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game against Northwestern, Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)
Shaky offensive line a big part of Spartans' struggles

By Noah Trister Oct. 09, 2018 08:22 PM EDT

Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio reacts during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game against Northwestern, Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)
Michigan State's Hartbarger likely done for the season

Oct. 09, 2018 05:40 PM EDT

Miami quarterback N'Kosi Perry stands back to pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Florida State, Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
No. 19 Texas beats No. 7 Oklahoma 48-45 on late FG

By The Associated Press Oct. 06, 2018 05:35 PM EDT

Michigan State quarterback Brian Lewerke throws a pass against Northwestern during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)
Thorson leads Northwestern past No. 20 Michigan State 29-19

By Noah Trister Oct. 06, 2018 03:57 PM EDT

FILE - At left, in a Sept. 30, 2017, file photo, Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops yells to his team during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Eastern Michigan, in Lexington, Ky. At right, in a Sept. 8, 2018, file photo, Texas A&M head coach Jimbo Fisher reacts after a call during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Clemson, in College Station, Texas. No. 13 Kentucky visits Texas A&M in the first meeting between the schools in 65 years. Their respective coaches have a more recent history together at Florida State, and Mark Stoops and Jimbo Fisher will apply that knowledge to their game plans. (AP Photo/File)
Eastern Michigan at Western Michigan 10/6/2018

Oct. 05, 2018 01:53 PM EDT

Arizona State place kicker Brandon Ruiz (1) celebrates his game-winning field goal against Michigan State with Arizona State linebacker Jay Jay Wilson, right, after an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018, in Tempe, Ariz. Arizona State defeated Michigan State 16-13. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Michigan State at Arizona State 9/8/2018

Sep. 23, 2018 12:38 PM EDT

Michigan St-Indiana Preview Capsule

By The Associated Press Sep. 20, 2018 01:15 PM EDT
No. 24 Michigan State (1-1, 0-0 Big Ten) at Indiana (3-0, 0-0), 7:30 p.m. ET (Big Ten Network). Line: Michigan State by 4. Series record...