It wouldn't take too long to realize that a defensive offsides on the game-winning field goal attempt by Central Michigan kicker Andrew Aguila cost the Spartans more than five yards.
It ultimately cost them the game.
Aguila made up for his missed 47-yard field goal by making the game winning 42-yard field goal after the penalty was whistled, putting the Chippewas (1-1) up 29-27 with only enough time for an ensuing kickoff.
Just as there was not enough time for the Spartans to make a comeback, the theme for MSU was essentially not having enough—discipline or even talent in some areas. The Spartans had eight penalties amounting to 81 yards given up, none perhaps more crucial than the last five. MSU gave up 418 total yards, mainly by air, to a speedy CMU receiver corps in that spread offense.
But the credit goes to CMU QB Dan LeFevour whose 11-yard TD pass to Paris Cotton with just 32 seconds left in regulation brought the Chips within one, 27-26. Going for the win on a gutsy two-point conversion attempt, LeFevour's pass was caught by Antonio Brown a foot or two outside the end zone.
With the entire world expecting an onside kick, MSU was again shorthanded in discipline as the onside receiving team failed to keep their spots and come up with ball, allowing LeFevour one last shot at getting the win in a silent and shocked Spartan Stadium.
A poised LeFevour only needed a few more first downs to give Aguila a chance, leading up to the Spartans giving him yet another.
LeFevour's 352 passing yards, along with picking apart the Spartan secondary, also helped the CMU senior surpass Byron Leftwich to become the MAC Conference's all-time leader in total offense.
The game helped reaffirm one point, while helping discredit another. Dan LeFeavour is very talented. MSU may not be. While LeFevour (and CMU) helped his cause for national notoriety, the Spartans' loss did directly the opposite.
We're going to send you the most entertaining Michigan State Football articles, videos, and podcasts from around the web.
2 Comments
Loading more comments...
This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete