Michigan State Football: 3 takeaways from win over Wake Forest

By Dante Pryor | Dec 27, 2019

NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 27: Wide receiver Jalen Nailor #8 of the Michigan State Spartans rushes past linebacker Ja'Cquez Williams #30 of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons during the second half of the New Era Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium on December 27, 2019 in the Bronx borough of New York City. Michigan State Spartans won 27-21. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images) /

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Michigan State football tangled with the Wake Forest Demon Deacons in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl. Here are three takeaways.

It was ACC versus Big Ten in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl from Yankee Stadium in New York City. Both the Demon Deacons and the Spartans came into this game limping a bit but Michigan State notched a 27-21 win.

The Spartans lost five in a row after a 4-1 start. Luckily their last two games were against Rutgers and Maryland, and they won those to get bowl eligible. A lot of the ups and downs for the Spartans had to do with youth at running back and injuries along their offensive line. With head coach Mark Dantonio coming back in 2020, this game was pivotal.

For the Demon Deacons it was the best of times and the worst of times. Wake started their season winning their first five games before losing a shootout against Louisville. They rebounded by winning their next two, and had the doors blown off against Virginia Tech and Clemson.

Then the injuries started. Star wide receiver Sage Surratt sustained a season ending shoulder injury while Scotty Washington’s ankle injury kept him out of this game.

Congrats to the Michigan State Spartans on their New Era Pinstripe Bowl win. Here are three takeaways from Friday afternoon’s game.

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