Boilermaker defense falters in MSU game

Chris Pickard/Chief Photographer LOOK WHAT I’VE GOT: Purdue’s Stuart Schweigert shows that he has possession of the football after he made an interception in the first quarter of Purdue’s game with Michigan State Saturday. The interception was one of the few good plays for the Boiler defense in Purdue’s 30-10 loss.

By Brian Peloza
Staff Writer

EAST LANSING, Mich. — The Purdue defense started its game against Michigan State Saturday with an interception by Stuart Schweigert on the first Spartan offensive drive. After that, though, not much went right in the Boilers' 30-10 loss.

"Michigan State executed, did what they had to do, came out hyped and beat our tail, that’s all there is to it," said defensive tackle Matt Mitrione.

On the Spartans' first offensive drive, a pass from MSU quarterback Jeff Smoker was deflected by Boiler cornerback Ashante Woodyard, and Schweigert picked the ball off the back of a Spartan receiver lying on the turf.

After the interception, however, big plays by the Boiler defense were scarce as the Spartans, who came into the game averaging only 11.7 points a game in conference play, went on to score 30 points — their highest output since a season opening 34-24 victory over Marshall.

Mitrione said the Boilers, who were coming off a bye week, had been practicing with high energy all week, but something changed on game day.

"We just came today and just trifled around all day," said Mitrione.

Junior defensive end Akin Ayodele also thought the bye week hurt the Boilers.

"We lost our focus," Ayodele said. "I guess we just expected everyone else was just going to sit back and let us run over them and we just came out flat."

One area that hurt Purdue was the Spartans' play on third down. Michigan State converted 8 of 14 third-down attempts Saturday. Coming into the game, the Boiler defense had held opponents to a third-down conversion rate of 36 percent, while the Spartans came into Saturday’s contest only converting 29 percent of their third-down tries.

"We had so many third down situations and we let them out of the hole — hey, if you’re going to do that it’s your own fault," said Mitrione.

Ayodele, who had three tackles, was not happy with the Boilers' performance.

"We definitely didn’t come out to play, we were down, we didn’t have any emotion, we weren’t aggressive enough — I’m definitely ashamed at what just happened out here," Ayodele said.

Although the Spartans were only averaging 159 yards on the ground in conference play, they were able to run for 292 yards against the Boilers on Saturday.

Schweigert said it was the Spartans' ability to run the option that hurt the Boilers most.

"Early they succeeded with it, and they just kept going on with it and they just keyed on it and they did a good job of it," said Schweigert.

The safety from Saginaw, Mich., said one reason the Spartans ran the option well was because of MSU running back T.J. Duckett. The Spartan sophomore ran for174 yards on 32 carries. Duckett also had a 1-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, which, along with the successful two-point conversion, gave Michigan State a 23-10 advantage with 10:34 to play.

"He’s big and he is a great running back; he is probably the biggest running back we have played against all year," said Schweigert, who led the Boilers with 14 tackles and two pass breakups.

Redshirt freshman Landon Johnson had the second most tackles on the team with eight solos and one unassisted. Shaun Phillips had eight tackles for the Boilers, including 2 tackles for a loss.

Spartan quarterback Jeff Smoker also had success running, as he gained 46 yards on the ground including three third-down conversions.

The last third-down conversion Smoker ran for was the most harmful for the Boilers. On a third and five, Smoker gained six yards and the first down. That conversion kept the Spartan drive alive, which culminated in Duckett’s touchdown run and a 23-10 Michigan State lead.

Little John Flowers capped the Spartan scoring for the day with a 48-yard touchdown run to make the score 30-10.

The Boilers will next play the Indiana Hoosiers Saturday in Ross-Ade stadium for the Old Oaken Bucket.

With the success achieved by Michigan State running the option, Schweigert expects the Hoosiers and quarterback Antwaan Randall El will be ready to play.

"I’m sure Indiana saw how we played the option today, I’m sure they are smiling a little, because we had trouble stopping it," said Schweigert.

Because Iowa defeated Northwestern 27-17, Purdue needs to beat the Hoosiers on Saturday to clinch a trip to the Rose Bowl.

"With a Northwestern loss, we are still in the hunt for the Rose Bowl. We just have to go and focus on Indiana," said Schweigert.

Offensive problems lead to Purdue loss

Boilermaker defense falters in MSU game

Boilers face IU in last chance for Rose Bowl

Players contribute points, experience to Boiler win

Guard's efforts lead Boilers to win

SPORTS DESK PHONE:
(765) 743-1111 ext. 251

Sports editor: Paul Trembacki

Assistant sports editors: Anne McLaren, Keith Thomas

To send a letter to the editor, please email opinions@purdueexponent.org

Purdue Sports