Baylor 24, Michigan State 14
As the clock hits zero at Jerry's World in the Cotton Bowl, the story line for the Spartans is the same as it has been in big games. The offense was hot to start, then frozen. The defense brought up third downs but couldn't get Baylor off the field, they get tired and boom it's 24-14 Baylor at half.
This game was to be about adjustments. Both teams have great high powered offenses capable of competing against any defense. Which defense to respond and adjust first would be the one that came out on top in the first half. Michigan State's first drive was the eighth opening drive this season that went for a touchdown. The D brought third down on Baylor multiple times on the Bears ensuing possession but it proved to be for naught as Petty delivered a 49 yard strike and we were all tied. Michigan State drove all the way down the field again and scored on the ground again. Petty and Baylor responded with a beautiful double pass on the next possession and we were tied at 14-14. Baylor went on to score another touchdown on a Petty QB sneak and then added a field goal at the end of the half to make it 24-14 in favor of Baylor.
The Spartans have run into this conundrum twice this season. This game looks exactly like the Ohio State game. MSU dominated on offense early but after those scores has not mustered much and has gone away from pounding the ball on the ground. MSU to win this game has to get the ball back to Langford and pound the ball. Michigan State needs to wear Baylor down with the ground atatck and as soon as Baylor begins to stop it, MSU will need to go over the top on play action. Picking up third downs will be huge.
Baylor's pass offense has been explosive and has taken advantage of MSU's weak secondary. Baylor's receivers are too quick. Michigan State has to force Baylor to run. If they don't it'll get uglier and uglier.
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