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Michigan State vs Wisconsin: Highlights, score and recap

By David Rouben

Sep 24, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers tight end Troy Fumagalli (81) attempts to make a catch against the Michigan State Spartans during the first half of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers tight end Troy Fumagalli (81) attempts to make a catch against the Michigan State Spartans during the first half of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Wisconsin Badgers picked up their second win against a top-10 opponent with a convincing win over Michigan State.

In what was a marquee match-up, the odds were firmly stacked against Wisconsin. They came off of a last-gasp win against Georgia State, while Michigan State had just handed Notre Dame its first home loss since 2014. In addition, Michigan State was the first of four Top 25 opponents Wisconsin would face over the next five weeks. But if this game indicated anything, it’s that the Badgers are more than up to the challenge.

Just like against LSU, their defense won them this game. They forced three turnovers, both of which led to touchdowns, and also capitalized on a botched snap to put the game out of reach. And while Corey Clement’s status was questionable heading into this game, he was a difference-maker when he scored two goal-line touchdowns. Wisconsin’s win at Spartan Stadium was their first since 2002.

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Nothing went right for Michigan State, and after an emotional win against Notre Dame, this loss could very well take them out of contention in the Big Ten East. It’ll be interesting to see how they rebound from a loss like this.

Highlights

Alex Hornibrook’s first drive got off to a bad start:

".@MSU_Football will take that 🏈, thank you very much!More video » https://t.co/wxBcCmJjuZ https://t.co/uanbMTuA61— Michigan St. on BTN (@MichiganStOnBTN) September 24, 2016"

But after forcing a field goal, the Badgers responded with a 16-play drive capped off by this touchdown pass:


With Michigan State looking to respond, Sojourn Shelton came up with a huge interception:


That led directly to a Corey Clement touchdown (the point after was no good):


This was the turning point of the game. With Michigan State trailing by 7, and driving for a touchdown, LJ Scott fumbled the ball. Leo Musso picked it up and returned it 66 yards to the house:

"#B1G PLAY ALERT!Leo Musso returns the fumble for a @BadgerFootball TD.More video » https://t.co/nb60fSZymd https://t.co/nuWo3t7efU— Wisconsin On BTN (@WisconsinOnBTN) September 24, 2016"


A botched snap on a punt gave Wisconsin a very short field, and Corey Clement capitalized by punching in his second touchdown of the game, extending the Badgers’ lead to 24:

"Hey look, another @BadgerFootball TD!Corey Clement does it again.More video » https://t.co/nb60fSZymd https://t.co/QSLKceQMlt— Wisconsin On BTN (@WisconsinOnBTN) September 24, 2016"

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Even with a win like this, it doesn’t get any easier for Wisconsin, who take on Michigan and Ohio State next. But considering how wide open the Big Ten West is, two conference losses might still be enough to get them to the Championship Game.

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