Michigan State University
Indiana
Spartan Football Ends Skid; Hammers Hoosiers, 46-15
10/29/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
Oct. 29, 2005
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EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Michigan State had sought a spark from its special teams all season long.
The Spartans found that spark Saturday in a 46-15 victory over Indiana.
Demond Williams returned the opening kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown. Williams also blocked a PAT attempt, which Ashton Watson returned for a defensive 2-point conversion to give the Spartans a 25-8 halftime lead.
"In the past this season, special teams hadn't been a threat," Williams said outside Spartan Stadium. "We just wanted to get back on track."
Williams took the opening kickoff up the middle of the field, then cut to the left to streak down the sidelines. It was the first time a Michigan State player had returned the opening kick for a TD since at least 1947.
"That got everyone excited, and we just kind of built on it from there," safety Eric Smith said.
The win keeps bowl hopes alive for the Spartans (5-3, 2-3 Big Ten), who ended a three-game losing streak. Michigan State needs to win one of its last three games to be eligible for a bowl.
The Spartans finish the regular season with trips to Purdue and Minnesota and a home game against Penn State.
The loss hurts postseason chances for the Hoosiers (4-4, 1-4 Big Ten), who haven't been to a bowl since 1993 -- the longest drought in the Big Ten.
"This gives us one opportunity less to get to our goal," Indiana nose guard Russ Richardson said. "The coaches aren't quitting on us, and were not quitting on them, and hopefully our fans won't quit on us, either."
Indiana must win two of its last three games to become bowl-eligible. The Hoosiers host Minnesota, travel to Michigan, then host Purdue to end the season.
Michigan State entered Saturday's game ranked in the top 15 in the nation in five different offensive categories. The Spartans gained 493 yards of total offense against the Hoosiers.
Spartans quarterback Drew Stanton completed 17 of 31 passes for 244 yards and two touchdowns with one interception. Stanton rushed for 27 yards and a TD on 10 carries. He sat out most of the fourth quarter.
Michigan State running back Javon Ringer gained 109 yards on 11 carries, including a 45-yard TD run to give the Spartans a 39-8 lead late in the third quarter.
Kerry Reed caught six passes for 80 yards, including a 3-yard TD pass, for the Spartans.
The Spartan defense contributed with interceptions by Sir Darean Adams, Eric Smith and Otis Wiley and a fumble recovery by Brandon Long.
Indiana quarterback Blake Powers completed 20 of 35 passes for 198 yards. He threw a 23-yard touchdown pass to James Hardy but also had three interceptions. Hardy also caught an 11-yard TD pass from backup quarterback Graeme McFarland as time expired.
Indiana got on the scoreboard with a safety early in the first quarter, when Stanton was called for intentional grounding in the end zone. But the Hoosier offense did not take advantage of chances to stay in the game.
"Not taking advantage of opportunities, not being able to finish drives, finish plays, finish tackles -- we've got to learn how to finish," Indiana coach Terry Hoeppner said.
Michigan State has won eight of its last nine games with Indiana, including four straight. The Spartans lead the overall series, 38-14-2, including a 20-6-1 record in East Lansing.
The teams have played for the Old Brass Spittoon since 1950. The spittoon, recovered from one of Michigan's earliest trading posts, is believed to be about 150 years old.
