Michigan State Football: 3 takeaways from Northwestern loss in Week 9

Michigan State football attempted to complete a late comeback effort with a win, but Northwestern handed the Spartans their first Big Ten loss.

Michigan State football answered with game-tying touchdowns in regulation, and the first overtime. However, the Spartans couldn’t pull off the trifecta as Northwestern persevered for a 39-31 triple-overtime win to knock Sparty from unbeaten status in the Big Ten.

What a game in Evanston. Not only was it a heart-stopper, it was an instant classic. Northwestern’s touchdown and two-point conversion in the third overtime proved to be the difference. Clayton Thorson put on a show. Brian Lewerke did too. Big plays were made on each side. No one wanted to blink first.

With rushing yards at a premium, both teams took to the air. Lewerke threw for 445 yards and four touchdowns. Thorson tossed two scores and 356 yards through the air. The fourth quarter and overtime was a heavyweight prize fight.

The loss was crippling for Michigan State’s Big Ten East title hopes. With Ohio State edging past Penn State, the Spartans are now a game back in the division. The Spartans had their opportunities. Special teams miscues were costly. For a team that has leaned on its defense and running game to earn wins, Saturday’s game came apart at the seams late.

Here are three takeaways from the Spartans heartbreaking loss to Northwestern.