Big Ten: Five biggest takeaways from Week 5

Oct 3, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Connor Cook (18) hook slides at end of run against the Purdue Boilermakers during the 2nd half of a game at Spartan Stadium. MSU won 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Michigan State Deservedly Dropped in the Polls

I don’t blame you if you flipped to another game as Michigan State took a 21-0 lead over Purdue. The Spartans were rolling and they were well on pace to cover their first point spread this season. Then Purdue stormed back and had to ball to tie or win the game in the final minutes. The Spartans held on to win 24-21 and dropped from No. 2 to No. 4 in the AP Poll. Michigan State is 5-0 and they deserved to drop down in the rankings.

The positive for the Spartans was running the ball 47 times for 267 yards. Quarterback Connor Cook threw for 139 yards and a touchdown. A modest stat line for Cook, that was also affected by the weather, but he will be tested more later this season.

Michigan State has a trip to Rutgers next with a visit to Ann Arbor to play Michigan on October 17. Michigan State will likely be 6-0 heading into that game and we should know after if they are a legitimate contender for the College Football Playoff.

Next: Ohio State