Team sees all-around improvement

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EAST LANSING — Walking into the post-game press conference following the football team’s come-from-behind, last-minute 29-27 win against Michigan State, coach Butch Jones stopped and stared.

Jones called the road victory against the Big Ten opponent the biggest win of the year.

Not because of the opponent’s stature. But because it was the first win of the young season for the Chippewas.

And following the loss to Arizona in the opening week of the season, the coach said Saturday’s win saw significant improvement on both sides of the ball.

“The first ‘W’ is always very special,” he said. “I can’t say enough about the perseverance of our kids.”

The offense gained 27 first downs, while the defense allowed just 17. The offense gained 418 yards of offense; the defense held MSU to 316, with 215 yards coming through the air between the two MSU quarterbacks.

“I think we did some really good things today,” said junior linebacker Nick Bellore. “I think, offensively, it takes a little time to get clicking. Defensively, it’s the same thing. It’s just getting back into the swing of things.”

Michigan State drove 74 yards in five plays to score an early touchdown two minutes into the game.

But following the touchdown, CMU’s defense settled in, held the Spartans to five first downs over the remainder of the half and forced three three-and-outs against the Big Ten offense.

“I think we settled down a bit,” Jones said. “(The defense) responded … and they made big plays for us, so we were able to make those adjustments and get those (mistakes) corrected.”

More firepower

The offense also walked off the field having produced more offense than in the Arizona game.

Last week, it failed to gain its first first down until the closing minutes of the first half. Saturday, it only had to wait until the second play, when senior quarterback Dan LeFevour found junior wide receiver Antonio Brown for five yards.

Last week, LeFevour was held to 108 yards passing and no touchdowns. Saturday, he more than tripled that with 328 yards passing and three touchdowns.

But LeFevour was quick to give the credit to his offensive line.

“It was just trusting my O-line,” he said. “They did a great job and they set up a lot in our offense.”

Jones said the offensive line gave LeFevour time to operate the offense.

“Even though Michigan State was able to generate a pass rush, I though (LeFevour) could set his feet and get some throws,” he said. “I also though that late in the third quarter, we were able to establish the run a little bit.”

Sophomore running back Paris Cotton led CMU with 27 rushing yards on six carries. Sophomore Bryan Schroeder rushed eight times for 26 yards.

The defense held MSU’s rushing game to 101 yards.

Last week, CMU allowed 246 rushing yards against Arizona and Michigan State rushed for 175 yards against Montana State.