It wasn't the cleanest of victories for the Michigan St. Spartans on Friday night, but they came away with a 17-13 victory at home against the Boise St. Broncos. Running back Le'Veon Bell led the way with 210 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 44 carries. He scored the winning touchdown with 8:12 left in the game.
The Broncos and the Spartans each started a new quarterback this season, but neither was able to distinguish himself. Joe Southwick replaced Kellen Moore for Boise State and was 15-of-31 for169 yards and an interception in his first start. Andrew Maxwell took over for Kirk Cousins, a fourth-round pick in April, and completed 22 of his 38 passes for 248 yards but threw three interceptions.
The second quarter saw plenty of sloppy play. Southwick and Maxwell exchanged interceptions on back-to-back drives, but Maxwell's was returned by Jeremy Ioane for a 43-yard touchdown return. Michigan State had a few chances later in the second quarter, only to see Maxwell threw an interception on a deep pass to the end zone just seconds before the half ended.
Michigan State outgained Boise State in total yards, 461 to 206.
Boise State entered this game ranked No. 24 in the AP Top 25 and should now fall out of there once the latest polls are released. The Broncos play Miami (Ohio) on Sept. 15. Michigan State, No. 13, will visit the Central Michigan Chippewas on Sept. 8.
For more on these teams, visit Boise State blog One Bronco Nation Under God and Michigan State blog The Only Colors. Head over to SB Nation NCAA Football for more news and notes around the college world.
