EVANSTON, Ill. — Quarterback Theo Day coined a nickname for Matt Seybert : “Mr. Reliable.” The Michigan State football tight end showed why he earned it Saturday.

Seybert, a senior who left a scholarship spot at Buffalo in 2016 to become a walk-on with the Spartans, produced a pair of touchdowns among his four catches for 28 yards in a 31-10 win over Northwestern to open Big Ten play .

Starting quarterback Brian Lewerke, who threw for 228 yards on 18 of 31 passing, connected with the 6-foot-4, 252-pound Seybert on touchdowns of 8 and 7 yards in the second half. It was the Traverse City native’s first two collegiate scores.

Michigan State tight end Matt Seybert (80) celebrates his touchdown against Northwestern during the second half Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Evanston, Ill. (Photo: Matt Marton, USA TODAY Sports)

“Honestly, it’s surreal,” Seybert said afterward. “I mean, I’m not gonna lie — you guys hear it all the time, people thanking God. But I’ve been praying my butt off lately, hard as heck. I’m just thankful for my teammates and my offense.

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“They wanna see people succeed as much as they want to succeed. So it means a ton to everybody as an offense, coming together as one and scoring touchdowns.”

Dantonio said starting tight end Matt Dotson was out with an unspecified injury and did not practice this week. The junior was in uniform with his helmet on, but he did not enter the game as Seybert, redshirt freshman Trenton Gillison and junior Noah Davis played.

Couch: 3 quick takes on MSU's win over Northwestern

But Seybert was the only one with a catch, one week after a breakout two-reception, 50-yard performance in a loss to Arizona State that included a 48-yarder. Third-string QB Day gave the tight end his nickname during preseason camp, and it stuck in the quarterback’s room.

“He has great hands and he gets open,” Lewerke said. “He showed it today.”

Facebook Twitter Google+ LinkedIn Michigan State 31, Northwestern 10: Photos from the game Fullscreen Post to Facebook Posted! A link has been posted to your Facebook feed.

Michigan State tight end Matt Seybert (80) celebrates his touchdown against Northwestern during the second half Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Evanston, Ill. Matt Marton, USA TODAY Sports Fullscreen Michigan State defensive tackle Raequan Williams greets fans after the game against Northwestern, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Evanston, Ill. Matt Marton, USA TODAY Sports Fullscreen Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio, left, is congratulated at the end of the 31-10 win over Northwestern, his program record 110th career victory with the Spartans, at Ryan Field, Sept. 21, 2019 in Evanston, Ill. Matt Marton, USA TODAY Sports Fullscreen Michigan State quarterback Brian Lewerke celebrates with fans after 31-10 win against Northwestern, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Evanston, Ill. David Banks, AP Fullscreen Michigan State safety Dominique Long takes a selfie with fans after a 31-10 win against Northwestern, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Evanston, Ill. David Banks, AP Fullscreen Michigan State celebrates the 31-10 win against Northwestern, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Evanston, Ill. David Banks, AP Fullscreen Michigan State tight end Matt Seybert (80) celebrates with offensive lineman Matt Allen (64), after scoring a touchdown against Northwestern during the second half Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Evanston, Ill. Matt Marton, USA TODAY Sports Fullscreen Michigan State safety Xavier Henderson hits Northwestern running back Drake Anderson during the second half Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Evanston, Ill. Matt Marton, USA TODAY Sports Fullscreen Northwestern's Cameron Ruiz tackles Michigan State receiver Darrell Stewart Jr. during the second half Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Evanston, Ill. Matt Marton, USA TODAY Sports Fullscreen Michigan State running back Connor Heyward dives for the end zone against Northwestern during the second half Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Evanston, Ill. Matt Marton, USA TODAY Sports Fullscreen Northwestern defensive back JR Pace tackles Michigan State receiver Julian Barnett during the second half Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Evanston, Ill. Matt Marton, USA TODAY Sports Fullscreen Michigan State running back Anthony Williams Jr. is tackled by Northwestern linebacker Jaylen Rivers during the first half Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Evanston, Ill. Matt Marton, USA TODAY Sports Fullscreen Michigan State cornerback Tre Person breaks up a pass to Northwestern receiver Berkeley Holman during the first half Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Evanston, Ill. David Banks, AP Fullscreen Northwestern receiver Bennett Skowronek is tackled by Michigan State linebacker Brandon Bouyer-Randle during the second half Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Evanston, Ill. David Banks, AP Fullscreen Michigan State receiver Darrell Stewart Jr. catches a pass as Northwestern defensive back Cameron Ruiz (18) defends during the second half Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Evanston, Ill. David Banks, AP Fullscreen Michigan State receiver Julian Barnett is tackled by Northwestern defensive back JR Pace during the second half Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Evanston, Ill. David Banks, AP Fullscreen Michigan State running back Elijah Collins runs for a touchdown against Northwestern during the first half Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Evanston, Ill. David Banks, AP Fullscreen Michigan State offensive lineman Jordan Reid (55) lifts up running back Elijah Collins (24) after Collins scored a touchdown against Northwestern during the first half at Ryan Field, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Evanston, Ill. Matt Marton, USA TODAY Sports Fullscreen Michigan State linebacker Joe Bachie (35) and defensive tackle Mike Panasiuk (72) sack Northwestern quarterback Hunter Johnson during the first half Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Evanston, Ill. David Banks, AP Fullscreen Northwestern receiver Bennett Skowronek and Michigan State cornerback Josh Butler fight for a pass during the first half at Ryan Field, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Evanston, Ill. Matt Marton, USA TODAY Sports Fullscreen Michigan State defensive tackle Mike Panasiuk sacks Northwestern quarterback Hunter Johnson during the first half at Ryan Field, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Evanston, Ill. Matt Marton, USA TODAY Sports Fullscreen Michigan State quarterback Brian Lewerke runs the ball as Northwestern defensive lineman Eku Leota tries to tackle him during the first half Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Evanston, Ill. David Banks, AP Fullscreen Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio leads the Spartans onto the field against the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Evanston, Ill. Matt Marton, USA TODAY Sports Fullscreen Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald looks on against Michigan State during the first half at Ryan Field, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Evanston, Ill. Matt Marton, USA TODAY Sports Fullscreen Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio walks onto the field before the game against Northwestern, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Evanston, Ill. David Banks, AP Fullscreen Interested in this topic? You may also want to view these photo galleries: Replay 1 of 25 2 of 25 3 of 25 4 of 25 5 of 25 6 of 25 7 of 25 8 of 25 9 of 25 10 of 25 11 of 25 12 of 25 13 of 25 14 of 25 15 of 25 16 of 25 17 of 25 18 of 25 19 of 25 20 of 25 21 of 25 22 of 25 23 of 25 24 of 25 25 of 25 Autoplay Show Thumbnails Show Captions Last Slide Next Slide Said Seybert: “Catch the ball with consistency, that’s what you gotta do.”

Seybert did not have a preferred walk-on spot at MSU or anywhere else when he accepted Buffalo’s scholarship after suffering a broken foot that forced him to miss his final season at Traverse City St. Francis. Leaving the Bulls, he said, for the uncertainty with the Spartans was “the hardest decision of my life.”

“I would think about it every night in my dorm room,” he said. “It was a risk, and it was worth it.”

Last season, Seybert moved to defense with MSU short on defensive ends. While it may have proved frustrating at times, particularly after playing 36 snaps at tight end in 2017, he called it “a blessing in disguise” for his return to the offense.

[ MSU grades: Not quite perfect, but good enough to beat Northwestern ]

“Going to defense, I got to learn so much more about defense, coverages, fronts,” Seybert said. “So now I’m back on the offensive side, and I can recognize stuff and play smarter, more cool, calm, collected kind of thing. So it actually helped me.

“People might say it might have been a waste of a year for me, but if you get the best out of a situation, it definitely helped me improve my knowledge of the game.”

CLOSE Michigan State football linebacker Joe Bachie said making Mark Dantonio Michigan State's winningest coach is special for the Spartans. Chris Solari, Detroit Free Press

Big-game Bachie Middle linebacker Joe Bachie answered coach Mark Dantonio’s challenge for MSU’s defense to be perfect .

The senior captain finished with a career-high 14 tackles, a sack, two tackles for a loss, an interception and two pass breakups.

“Joe Bachie? All over the place,” Dantonio said. “He’s a football player, I think you guys know that.”

MSU, which entered the Saturday ranked No. 2 in run defense and No. 3 in total defense nationally, allowed 265 yards to the Wildcats. However, 104 of those yards and the only TD allowed came on two fourth-quarter Northwestern drives against the second-string defense.

Dantonio re-inserted his starters in the waning moments. The Wildcats went 20 yards but got stopped on fourth down at MSU’s 15.

“We just had to get them off the field,” Bachie said. “We gotta make sure our 2s are better than that, that’s the main thing we got from that. They moved the ball right down the field when some of the second- and third-(string) guys were in. We didn’t want that to happen again, so some of the 1s went back out there to try and end the game.”

Still, Bachie was pleased to see both sides of the ball rebound from last week’s 10-7 loss to Arizona State.

“It’s business as usual,” he said. “We talked about last week refocusing and getting back down to business, and that’s what we did this week. Offensively and defensively, we did a great job. We focused together, and we got Coach D his win today.”

Facebook Twitter Google+ LinkedIn Every win of Mark Dantonio's career as Michigan State football head coach Fullscreen Post to Facebook Posted! A link has been posted to your Facebook feed.

Sept. 1, 2007, Michigan State 55, Alabama-Birmingham 18, Spartan Stadium: The Spartans rolled up 593 yards of total offense, and Jehuu Caulcrick ran for four touchdowns in Mark Dantonio’s debut. RASHAUN RUCKER, Detroit Free Press Fullscreen Sept. 8, 2007, Michigan State 28, Bowling Green 17, Spartan Stadium: Brian Hoyer threw a fourth-quarter touchdown to Devin Thomas, who totaled 156 yards receiving, as the Spartans pulled away from Bowling Green late. RASHAUN RUCKER, Detroit Free Press Fullscreen Sept. 15, 2007, Michigan State 17, Pittsburgh 13, Spartan Stadium: Safety Travis Key returned an interception 31 yards for a touchdown, which proved to be the winning score. Rashaun Rucker, Detroit Free Press Fullscreen Sept. 22, 2007, Michigan State 31, Notre Dame 14, Notre Dame Stadium: The Spartans held the Fighting Irish to just 118 yards passing as a dominant third quarter propelled them to a 4-0 start under Dantonio, with MSU gaining a measure of revenge for the blown 17-point fourth-quarter lead at home the previous year. RASHAUN RUCKER, Detroit Free Press Fullscreen Oct. 13, 2007, Michigan State 52, Indiana 27, Spartan Stadium: Javon Ringer rushed for 203 yards and the Spartans broke a six-game Big Ten losing streak, earning Dantonio’s first conference win in dominating fashion. ERIC SEALS, Detroit Free Press Fullscreen Nov. 10, 2007, Michigan State 48, Purdue 31, Ross-Ade Stadium: MSU forced three Purdue turnovers, including a 20-yard fumble return touchdown by Travis Key, as the Spartans ended a three-game losing streak and clinched bowl eligibility in Dantonio’s first season. RASHAUN RUCKER, Detroit Free Press Fullscreen Nov. 17, 2007, Michigan State 35, Penn State 31, Spartan Stadium: Jehuu Caulcrick ran for 17 yards on a fake punt from deep in Spartans territory and scored the game-winning touchdown minutes later as MSU overcame a 17-point second-half deficit in the signature win of Dantonio’s inaugural season. RASHAUN RUCKER, Detroit Free Press Fullscreen Sept. 6, 2008, Michigan State 42, Eastern Michigan 10, Spartan Stadium: Javon Ringer ran for five touchdowns as the Spartans cruised to their first win of Dantonio’s second season, dominating in-state foe Eastern Michigan. Al Goldis, ASSOCIATED PRESS Fullscreen Sept. 13, 2008, Michigan State 17, Florida Atlantic 0, Spartan Stadium: Javon Ringer ran for a career-high 282 yards and the Spartans held Owls quarterback Rusty Smith to 8-for-34 passing as they recorded the first defensive shutout of Dantonio’s tenure. Al Goldis, ASSOCIATED PRESS Fullscreen Sept. 20, 2008, Michigan State 23, Notre Dame 7, Spartan Stadium: The Spartans defense and tailback Javon Ringer were the difference again, as the Irish turned the ball over three times and Ringer ran for a pair of one-yard touchdowns as MSU made it two in a row over the rival Irish. Al Goldis, ASSOCIATED PRESS Fullscreen Sept. 27, 2008, Michigan State 42, Indiana 29, Memorial Stadium: Brian Hoyer threw an 82-yard touchdown pass to tight end Charlie Gantt and a crucial holding penalty in the end zone on Indiana turned a 99-yard touchdown run for the Hoosiers into a two-point safety for the Spartans, who left Bloomington with a high-scoring win. Darron Cummings, ASSOCIATED PRESS Fullscreen Oct. 4, 2008, Michigan State 16, Iowa 13, Spartan Stadium: MSU made a crucial fourth-down stop as Iowa neglected the chance to kick a 38-yard game-tying field goal with 2:18 remaining, and the Spartans won despite scoring just one touchdown, a first-quarter pass from Brian Hoyer to Charlie Gantt. Al Goldis, AP Fullscreen Oct. 11, 2008, Michigan State 37, Northwestern 20, Ryan Field: In the first game as a ranked team in the Dantonio tenure, the 23rd-ranked Spartans built a 17-0 first-half lead over previously unbeaten Northwestern, and a balanced attack carried MSU to a 37-20 victory. RASHAUN RUCKER, Detroit Free Press Fullscreen Oct. 25, 2008, Michigan State 35, Michigan 21, Michigan Stadium: After then-Michigan tailback Mike Hart referred to MSU as the Wolverines’ little brother the previous season, the Spartans exacted some revenge, with Brian Hoyer throwing for three touchdowns, including a 61-yarder to Blair White, as Mark Dantonio earned his first win against archrival Michigan. Rashaun Rucker, Detroit Free Press Fullscreen Nov. 1, 2008, Michigan State 25, Wisconsin 24, Spartan Stadium: Brett Swenson’s 44-yard field goal with 7 seconds remaining completed the Spartans’ comeback from an 11-point second-half deficit, as Javon Ringer was held to only 54 yards on 20 carries, but scored twice from close range. Al Goldis, ASSOCIATED PRESS Fullscreen Nov. 8, 2008, Michigan State 21, Purdue 7, Spartan Stadium: Javon Ringer ran for two more touchdowns, and a dominant Spartans defense was denied a shutout by a Purdue touchdown with 42 seconds remaining, as MSU held the Boilermakers to 191 total yards. Al Goldis, ASSOCIATED PRESS Fullscreen Sept. 5, 2009, Michigan State 44, Montana State 3, Spartan Stadium: New starting quarterback Kirk Cousins tossed three touchdowns, understudy and future “Rocket” man Keith Nichol threw two, and Michigan State cruised to an easy season-opening win over the “other” MSU. RASHAUN RUCKER, Detroit Free Press Fullscreen Oct. 3, 2009, Michigan State 26, Michigan 20 (OT), Spartan Stadium: Defensive back Chris L. Rucker intercepted Michigan QB Tate Forcier in overtime, freshman tailback Larry Caper ran for a 23-yard touchdown to win the game, and MSU earned its first two-game winning streak against the Wolverines since 1967. The team swarmed Caper in the north end zone after the touchdown. Al Goldis, AP Fullscreen Oct. 10, 2009, Michigan State 24, Illinois 14, Memorial Stadium: Safety Danny Fortener returned a Juice Williams interception 45 yards for a touchdown as MSU built a 24-0 lead over the Fighting Illini and survived two late scores to improve to 3-3. Seth Perlman, AP Fullscreen Oct. 17, 2009, Michigan State 24, Northwestern 14, Spartan Stadium: Kirk Cousins found Blair White 12 times for 186 yards, including two touchdowns, as MSU won its third straight game. Al Goldis, AP Fullscreen Nov. 7, 2009, Michigan State 49, Western Michigan 14, Spartan Stadium: Ashton Leggett ran for four touchdowns and 110 yards in a rare November non-conference game as the Spartans rolled by five scores over Western Michigan. Al Goldis, AP Fullscreen Nov. 14, 2009, Michigan State 40, Purdue 37, Ross-Ade Stadium: Kirk Cousins threw three touchdowns and Brett Swenson’s 21-yard field goal with 1:51 remaining earned the Spartans bowl eligibility after overcoming an 11-point fourth-quarter deficit on the road against Purdue. Tom Strattman, AP Fullscreen Sept. 4, 2010, Michigan State 38, Western Michigan 14, Spartan Stadium: Freshman tailback Le’Veon Bell ran for 141 yards and two touchdowns on just 10 carries as the Spartans opened up the 2010 season in convincing fashion over Western Michigan. RASHAUN RUCKER, Detroit Free Press Fullscreen Sept. 11, 2010, Michigan State 30, Florida Atlantic 17, Ford Field: Edwin Baker ran for 183 yards, including an 80-yard touchdown run, in a game originally scheduled to be played in Boca Raton, Florida. The Spartans wore white uniforms and were the designated road team, but the Detroit crowd was firmly behind them. RASHAUN RUCKER, MCT Fullscreen Sept. 18, 2010, Michigan State 34, Notre Dame 31 (OT), Spartan Stadium: A game that can be summed up in two words — “Little Giants” — holder Aaron Bates throwing a 29-yard touchdown pass to tight end Charlie Gantt on a fake field goal in overtime to send the crowd at Spartan Stadium into hysterics and begin the legend of Dantonio’s risk-taking nature. JULIAN H. GONZALEZ, Detroit Free Press Fullscreen Sept. 25, 2010, Michigan State 45, Northern Colorado 7, Spartan Stadium: In a game that Dantonio missed after suffering a mild heart attack in the wake of the Little Giants play the week before, MSU easily rolled the overmatched Northern Colorado squad. Kirk Cousins threw for 290 yards and two touchdowns in a workmanlike victory. Al Goldis, AP Fullscreen Oct. 2, 2010, Michigan State 34, Wisconsin 24, Spartan Stadium: Interim coach Don Treadwell adhered to Dantonio’s penchant for risk, with Kirk Cousins connecting with B.J. Cunningham for a 1-yard, game-clinching touchdown with 2:43 remaining as Dantonio remained in the hospital with complications from the heart attack suffered two weeks previous. Carlos Osorio, AP Fullscreen Oct. 9, 2010: Michigan State 34, Michigan 17, Michigan Stadium: Mark Dantonio was back on the sideline and the defense was back in a groove, picking off three Denard Robinson passes as MSU scored 24 points unanswered in the second and third quarters to once again knock off the Wolverines. Julian H. Gonzalez, Detroit Free Press Fullscreen Oct. 16, 2010, Michigan State 26, Illinois 6, Spartan Stadium: The Spartans outscored the Fighting Illini 23-0 in the second half, keyed by a 48-yard scoring connection between Kirk Cousins and B.J. Cunningham, as MSU improved to its first 7-0 start since the fabled 1966 squad. Tony Ding, AP Fullscreen Oct. 23, 2010, Michigan State 35, Northwestern 27, Ryan Field: MSU flirted with disaster, falling behind 17-0 on the road, but got off the mat, with Kirk Cousins throwing for 331 yards and three touchdowns as the Spartans remained unbeaten. RASHAUN RUCKER, MCT Fullscreen Nov. 6, 2010: Michigan State 31, Minnesota 8, Spartan Stadium: After being routed by Iowa on the road the previous week, the Spartans rebounded, with Edwin Baker running for 179 yards and four touchdowns. Al Goldis, AP Fullscreen Nov. 20, 2010: Michigan State 35, Purdue 31, Spartan Stadium: Trailing 28-13 after three quarters, the Spartans rallied behind Kirk Cousins, whose 3-yard rush with 4:32 remaining gave MSU its first lead of the second half, en route to the 10th win of the season. It was the first double-digit win season for the program since 1999, when Dantonio was the defensive coordinator under Nick Saban. Al Goldis, AP Fullscreen Nov. 27, 2010: Michigan State 28, Penn State 22, Beaver Stadium: MSU built a 21-3 lead after three quarters and held off a furious Penn State rally. It was the first win in Happy Valley in Mark Dantonio’s tenure, and clinched a share of the program’s first Big Ten championship since 1990. Gene J. Puskar, AP Fullscreen Sept. 2, 2011: Michigan State 28, Youngstown State 6, Spartan Stadium: In the first Friday night game at Spartan Stadium, MSU controlled the second half against the overmatched Penguins, with Kirk Cousins throwing for 222 yards and a touchdown. Al Goldis, AP Fullscreen Sept. 10, 2011: Michigan State 44, Florida Atlantic 0, Spartan Stadium: In a devastating defensive performance, the Spartans held FAU to one first down, as B.J. Cunningham became the school’s all-time leader in receptions, passing Matt Trannon. Al Goldis, AP Fullscreen Sept. 24, 2011: Michigan State 45, Central Michigan 7, Spartan Stadium: Le’Veon Bell ran for 81 yards and three touchdowns in the first half, following a loss at Notre Dame the previous week. Al Goldis, AP Fullscreen Oct. 1, 2011: Michigan State 10, Ohio State 7, Ohio Stadium: In an old-school Big Ten game that would have made Duffy Daugherty and Woody Hayes proud, MSU held OSU to 178 yards of offense and notched the program’s first win at the Horseshoe since 1998 — with MSU finally conquering the Buckeyes under former OSU assistant Dantonio — the Buckeyes had been the only Big Ten team he had failed to beat. NEAL C. LAURON, MCT Fullscreen Oct. 15, 2011: Michigan State 28, Michigan 14, Spartan Stadium: Safety Isaiah Lewis returned an interception of Denard Robinson for a score with 4:31 remaining, as the Spartans beat their previously unbeaten rival for the fourth straight time, the first such streak since 1959-62. Senior Kirk Cousins proclaimed afterwards that “for the rest of our lives, we can walk the streets of Michigan.” Al Goldis, AP Fullscreen Oct. 22, 2011: Michigan State 37, Wisconsin 31, Spartan Stadium: In a tie game with four seconds remaining, Mark Dantonio dialed up “Rocket,” a Hail Mary pass where former quarterback Keith Nichol caught a pass on a deflection and barely got the ball over the plane of the end zone to stun 4th-ranked Wisconsin on the last play of the game, as MSU won a wild, back-and-forth contest. Kirthmon F. Dozier, Detroit Free Press Fullscreen Nov. 5, 2011: Michigan State 31, Minnesota 24, Spartan Stadium: Trailing 24-21 entering the fourth quarter against 2-6 Minnesota, the Spartans turned to star tailback Le’Veon Bell, whose 35-yard scamper with 10:58 remaining gave MSU the lead, as it atoned for the previous week’s loss at Nebraska. Al Goldis, AP Fullscreen Nov. 12, 2011: Michigan State 37, Iowa 21, Kinnick Stadium: Kirk Cousins threw for 260 yards and three touchdowns as MSU built a 31-7 first-half lead en route to its first win at Kinnick Stadium since 1989. Charlie Neibergall, AP Fullscreen Nov. 19, 2011: Michigan State 55, Indiana 3, Spartan Stadium: In another overwhelming victory, MSU scored the most points under Mark Dantonio and clinched a spot in the inaugural Big Ten championship game, winning the Legends Division. Al Goldis, AP Fullscreen Nov. 26, 2011: Michigan State 31, Northwestern 17, Ryan Field: Keshawn Martin returned a punt 57 yards for a touchdown and Kirk Cousins became the all-time passing touchdowns leader in school history. Nam Y. Huh, AP Fullscreen Jan. 2, 2012: Michigan State 33, Georgia 30 (3OT), Raymond James Stadium: It took three overtimes in the Outback Bowl, but the Spartans finally won a bowl game under Mark Dantonio, after losing the first four of his tenure. They blocked a Blair Walsh field goal to win, after rallying to force OT with a 10-play, 85-yard drive with 14 seconds remaining in regulation. Andre J. Jackson, Detroit Free Press Fullscreen Aug. 31, 2012: Michigan State 17, Boise State 13, Spartan Stadium: Le’Veon Bell ran for a career-high 210 yards and two touchdowns, including the winner with 8:12 remaining in a Friday night thriller between two tough defenses. Jarrad Henderson, Detroit Free Press Fullscreen Sep 8, 2012: Michigan State 41, Central Michigan 7, Spartan Stadium: Andrew Maxwell threw for 275 yards and two touchdowns in a rout of the in-state rival, as the defense held the Chippewas to 245 total yards and forced three turnovers. Andrew Weber, US PRESSWIRE Fullscreen Sept. 22, 2012: Michigan State 23, Eastern Michigan 7, Spartan Stadium: The crowd was restless at halftime with the Spartans trailing the Eagles, 7-3, but MSU rebounded in the second half behind Le’Veon Bell’s career-high 253 yards rushing. Jarrad Henderson, Detroit Free Press Fullscreen Oct. 6, 2012: Michigan State 31, Indiana 27, Memorial Stadium: MSU erased a 17-point first-half deficit as Andrew Maxwell threw for 290 yards and two touchdowns, including a 36-yard toss to Bennie Fowler with 6:35 remaining. Darron Cummings, AP Fullscreen Oct. 27, 2012: Michigan State 16, Wisconsin 13 (OT), Camp Randall Stadium: Andrew Maxwell overcame a tough day by connecting with Le’Veon Bell for a 5-yard touchdown to tie the score with a minute left in regulation, then found Bennie Fowler for a 12-yarder to win it in OT as MSU snapped Wisconsin’s 21-game home winning streak. Andy Manis, AP Fullscreen Nov 24, 2012 Michigan State 26, Minnesota 10, TCF Bank Stadium: Le’Veon Bell ran for a career-high 266 yards as MSU ran away from the Golden Gophers in the fourth quarter to earn bowl eligibility in the midst of the toughest regular season of Mark Dantonio’s tenure to that point. Jesse Johnson, US PRESSWIRE Fullscreen Dec. 29, 2012: Michigan State 17, TCU 16, Sun Devil Stadium: Dan Conroy hit a 47-yard field goal with 1:01 remaining as MSU won the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl, salvaging a lost season by forcing two turnovers and leaning on Le’Veon Bell, who ran for 145 yards and a score. Matt York, AP Fullscreen Aug. 30, 2013: Michigan State 26, Western Michigan 13, Spartan Stadium: Jairus Jones lateraled his interception to Kurtis Drummond for a 22-yard touchdown return to open the scoring as MSU forced four Broncos turnovers in a season-opening victory. Jarrad Henderson, Detroit Free Press Fullscreen Sept. 7, 2013: Michigan State 21, South Florida 6, Spartan Stadium: Shilique Calhoun returned an interception 56 yards as the defense dominated for the second straight week, with Andrew Maxwell and the offense again failing to impress, but MSU held the Bulls to 155 total yards. Al Goldis, AP Fullscreen Sept. 14, 2013: Michigan State 55, Youngstown State 17, Spartan Stadium: Connor Cook threw four touchdown passes in his first start as the defense controlled the game again, holding the Penguins to 172 total yards. Mike Carter, USA TODAY Sports Fullscreen Oct. 5, 2013: Michigan State 26, Iowa 14, Kinnick Stadium: After falling in a close game at Notre Dame two weeks earlier, the Spartans found their quarterback of the future, as Connor Cook threw for 277 yards and two touchdowns, and Darqueze Dennard intercepted two passes. Reese Strickland, USA TODAY Sports Fullscreen Oct.12, 2013: Michigan State 42, Indiana 28, Spartan Stadium: Jeremy Langford ran for three touchdowns, Connor Cook threw for 235 yards and two touchdowns, as the offense got hot after struggling early in the year. Mike Carter, USA TODAY Sports Fullscreen Oct. 19, 2013: Michigan State 14, Purdue 0, Spartan Stadium: Denicos Allen returned a fumble 45 yards for a touchdown, and though the offense struggled, the defense was back to its usual dominant self. Mike Carter, USA TODAY Sports Fullscreen Oct. 26, 2013: Michigan State 42, Illinois 3, Memorial Stadium: Connor Cook was nearly perfect, going 15-for-16 for 208 yards and three touchdowns, while MSU held Illinois to 128 yards of total offense. Pat Lovell, USA TODAY Sports Fullscreen Nov. 2, 2013: Michigan State 29, Michigan 6, Spartan Stadium: The defense held the Wolverines to 168 yards of offense, and Connor Cook threw for 252 yards and a score, and also rushed for a TD, as MSU won its fifth matchup with Michigan in six seasons. Julian H. Gonzalez, Detroit Free Press Fullscreen Nov. 16, 2013: Michigan State 41, Nebraska 28, Memorial Stadium: MSU forced five turnovers, helping it overcome a 392-361 deficit in total yards, but the offense was able to capitalize on short fields, as Jeremy Langford ran for 151 yards and three touchdowns. Nati Harnik, AP Fullscreen Nov. 23, 2013: Michigan State 30, Northwestern 6, Ryan Field: Connor Cook threw for 293 yards and two touchdowns, MSU forced three turnovers and kept the Wildcats out of the end zone as the Spartans clinched the Legends Division for the second time in three years. Reid Compton, USA TODAY Sports Fullscreen Nov. 30, 2013: Michigan State 14, Minnesota 3, Spartan Stadium: The defense once again kept an opponent out of the end zone and forced three turnovers, while Jeremy Langford ran for 143 yards and a touchdown as MSU completed a perfect Big Ten regular season at 8-0. Mike Carter, USA TODAY Sports Fullscreen Dec. 7, 2013: Michigan State 34, Ohio State 24, Lucas Oil Stadium: A heavy underdog, MSU took a 17-0 lead in the Big Ten championship game, but was caught and passed by second-ranked Ohio State. But a fourth-down stop by Denicos Allen on OSU's Braxton Miller, followed by a clinching 26-yard touchdown run by Jeremy Langford, preserved the first Big Ten championship game victory in school history and a trip to the Rose Bowl for the first time since 1987. Brian Spurlock, USA TODAY Sports Fullscreen Jan. 1, 2014: Michigan State 24, Stanford 20, Rose Bowl: Linebacker Kyler Ellsworth, starting in place of suspended captain Max Bullough, stopped Stanford on a fourth-and-one as the Spartans won the Rose Bowl for the first time in 27 years behind Connor Cook’s career-high 332 passing yards. Jeff Gross, Getty Images Fullscreen Aug. 29, 2014: Michigan State 45, Jacksonville State 7, Spartan Stadium: Connor Cook threw three first-half touchdowns and the defense forced three turnovers. Al Goldis, AP Fullscreen Sept. 20, 2014: Michigan State 73, Eastern Michigan 14, Spartan Stadium: The Spartans put up the most points in the Mark Dantonio era, scoring 10 offensive touchdowns and forcing six turnovers. Tony Lippett scored two touchdowns on only three catches. Julian H. Gonzalez, Detroit Free Press Fullscreen Sept. 27, 2014: Michigan State 56, Wyoming 14, Spartan Stadium: The MSU offense rolled again, putting up 42 in the first half, including two Connor Cook scores. Al Goldis, AP Fullscreen Oct. 4, 2014: Michigan State 27, Nebraska 22, Spartan Stadium: MSU held a 27-3 fourth-quarter lead and looked to be in control before the Cornhuskers ripped off 19 points and had the ball with a minute left with a chance to win, but the Spartans held on. Mike Carter, USA TODAY Sports Fullscreen Oct. 11, 2014: Michigan State 45, Purdue 31, Ross-Ade Stadium: Linebacker Darien Harris returned an interception 15 yards for a game-sealing touchdown with 1:22 left, as the Spartans once again nearly let a three-score lead slip in the fourth quarter. AJ MAST, AP Fullscreen Oct. 18, 2014: Michigan State 56, Indiana 17, Memorial Stadium: Connor Cook threw for three scores, Jeremy Langford ran for three more, and the Spartans ran up 662 yards of offense. Sam Riche, AP Fullscreen Oct. 25, 2014: Michigan State 35, Michigan 11, Spartan Stadium: For the second straight year, the defense turned Devin Gardner’s day into a nightmare, forcing three Wolverines turnovers and holding them to 186 total yards. Jeremy Langford ran for 177 yards and three touchdowns as MSU beat Michigan for the sixth time in seven tries for the first time since 1956-62. Al Goldis, AP Fullscreen Nov. 15, 2004: Michigan State 37, Maryland 15, Byrd Stadium: RJ Williamson returned an interception 22 yards for a touchdown, Jeremy Langford ran for two touchdowns, and the Spartans forced four Maryland turnovers. Tommy Gilligan, USA TODAY Sports Fullscreen Nov. 22, 2014: Michigan State 45, Rutgers 3, Spartan Stadium: On Senior Day, Tony Lippett caught five passes for 72 yards and a touchdown, Jeremy Langford ran for 126 yards and two scores, and the defense forced three turnovers in a blasting of new Big Ten opponent Rutgers. Al Goldis, AP Fullscreen Nov. 29, 2014: Michigan State 34, Penn State 10, Beaver Stadium: R.J. Shelton returned the opening kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown, and the rout was on, as Jeremy Langford ran for 118 yards and two scores in an easy victory. Gene J. Puskar, AP Fullscreen Jan. 1, 2015: Michigan State 42, Baylor 41, AT&T Stadium: Connor Cook threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to Keith Mumphery with 14 seconds remaining as a huge blocked field goal helped the Spartans erase a 20-point fourth-quarter deficit and win the Cotton Bowl Classic in thrilling fashion over offensive juggernaut Baylor. Sarah Glenn, Getty Images Fullscreen Sept. 4, 2015: Michigan State 37, Western Michigan 24, Waldo Stadium: In a rare trip to Western Michigan, the Spartans ran up 452 yards of total offense, with Madre London running for two touchdowns. Kirthmon F. Dozier, Detroit Free Press Fullscreen Sept. 12, 2015: Michigan State 31, Oregon 28, Spartan Stadium: The Spartans, hosting College Gameday in East Lansing, stopped Oregon four times on fourth down in a battle of top-10 teams, including for the final time with just over a minute remaining to maintain a lead. Aaron Burbridge came up huge with 101 receiving yards and a touchdown. Kirthmon F. Dozier, Detroit Free Press Fullscreen Sept. 19, 2015: Michigan State 35, Air Force 21, Spartan Stadium: Aaron Burbridge caught three touchdowns, including a spectacular first-quarter grab, as MSU forced three turnovers, winning despite the Falcons gaining 428 total yards. Kirthmon F. Dozier, Detroit Free Press Fullscreen Sept. 26, 2015: Michigan State 30, Central Michigan 10, Spartan Stadium: Gerald Holmes ran for two fourth-quarter touchdowns as the Spartans survived a stiffer test than expected from the Chippewas, though the defense allowed just one touchdown. Kirthmon F. Dozier, Detroit Free Press Fullscreen Oct. 3, 2015: Michigan State 24, Purdue 21, Spartan Stadium: LJ Scott ran for two touchdowns and 146 yards, and MSU held Purdue on a late fourth-down try to narrowly defeat the upset-minded Boilermakers. Al Goldis, AP Fullscreen Oct. 10, 2015: Michigan State 31, Rutgers 24, High Point Solutions Stadium: For the second straight week, the Spartans narrowly avoided losing to an inferior foe, with Rutgers hanging in for 60 minutes. LJ Scott’s touchdown with 43 seconds made the difference for the Spartans. Mel Evans, AP Fullscreen Oct. 17, 2015: Michigan State 27, Michigan 23, Michigan Stadium: You know the play — Michigan punter Blake O’Neill had trouble with the snap, MSU’s Jalen Watts-Jackson picked up the fumble and ran 38 yards to score on the last play of the game, as the Spartans defeated the Wolverines in one of the most memorable endings in college football history. Christian Petersen, Getty Images Fullscreen Oct. 24, 2015: Michigan State 52, Indiana 26, Spartan Stadium: The Spartans outscored Indiana 24-0 in the fourth quarter to pull away from a game that was close for three quarters. Connor Cook threw for 398 yards and four scores as MSU improved to 8-0. Mike Carter, USA TODAY Sports Fullscreen Nov. 14, 2015: Michigan State 24, Maryland 7, Spartan Stadium: In between a controversial loss at Nebraska and a trip to Ohio Stadium the following week, the Spartans defeated Maryland — but the big news was Connor Cook’s shoulder injury, which became a storyline the rest of the season. Joe Robbins, Getty Images Fullscreen Nov. 21, 2015: Michigan State 17, Ohio State 14, Ohio Stadium: Using two backup quarterbacks, the MSU offense gave just enough as the defense dominated, holding J.T. Barrett, Ezekiel Elliott, Michael Thomas and the defending national champions to five first downs. Michael Geiger made a 41-yard field goal as time expired and launched his iconic windmill celebration, as the Spartans scored the stunning upset. Julian H. Gonzalez, Detroit Free Press Fullscreen Nov. 28, 2015: Michigan State 55, Penn State 16, Spartan Stadium: Connor Cook threw three touchdowns, but the big story was the touchdown run by senior offensive lineman Jack Allen in the fourth quarter as the Spartans dominated their rival, sealing the Big Ten East championship and a spot in Indianapolis. Al Goldis, AP Fullscreen Dec. 5, 2015: Michigan State 16, Iowa 13, Lucas Oil Stadium: A marathon 22-play, 82-yard drive that took 9:04 off the clock was punctuated by LJ Scott’s lunge over the goal line with 27 seconds left to give MSU a classic Big Ten championship victory, and a spot in the second College Football Playoff. Thomas J. Russo, USA TODAY Sports Fullscreen Sept. 2, 2016: Michigan State 28, Furman 13, Spartan Stadium: A far-too difficult first game was a harbinger of what would be Mark Dantonio’s worst season in East Lansing, as MSU was barely better than FCS opponent Furman, though Andrew Dowell’s one-handed interception saved the Spartans on this occasion. Mike Carter, USA TODAY Sports Fullscreen Sept. 17, 2016: Michigan State 36, Notre Dame 28, Notre Dame Stadium: Gerald Holmes ran for two scores, including a 73-yard scamper as the Spartans built a 36-7 lead on the road. They survived a furious Fighting Irish rally, running out the clock after getting the ball back with 3:37 remaining. Matt Cashore, USA TODAY Sports Fullscreen Nov. 12, 2016: Michigan State 49, Rutgers 0, Spartan Stadium: A wasted season had a measure of catharsis on a sunny Saturday afternoon as MSU thumped lowly Rutgers, with Madre London running for two scores and the Spartans snapping a seven-game losing streak. Mike Carter, USA TODAY Sports Fullscreen Sept. 2, 2017: Michigan State 35, Bowling Green 10, Spartan Stadium: Cornerback Tyson Smith — who suffered a stroke the previous November, putting his football career in doubt — had a pick-six, and the Spartans cruised, led by Brian Lewerke at quarterback. Mike Carter, USA TODAY Sports Fullscreen Sept. 9, 2017: Michigan State 28, Western Michigan 14, Spartan Stadium: Brian Lewerke’s 61-yard touchdown run caused wideout Darrell Stewart Jr. to nickname him “White Lightning” as MSU got a challenge from Western Michigan. Al Goldis, AP Fullscreen Sept. 30, 2017: Michigan State 17, Iowa 10, Spartan Stadium: Felton Davis caught two touchdown passes and a vintage MSU defense held Iowa tailback Akrum Wadley to 30 yards rushing. Mike Carter, USA TODAY Sports Fullscreen Oct. 7, 2017: Michigan State 14, Michigan 10, Michigan Stadium: In a driving rainstorm, the Spartans built an 11-point, first-half lead that they held on to, thanks in large part to five Wolverines turnovers, with linebacker Joe Bachie knocking away a Hail Mary pass in the end zone and the Spartans celebrating on the Michigan Stadium turf for the fourth time in five tries. Leon Halip, Getty Images Fullscreen Oct. 14, 2017: Michigan State 30, Minnesota 27, TCF Bank Stadium: LJ Scott ran for a career-high 194 yards and two scores, as MSU was forced to recover an onside kick after two late Golden Gophers touchdowns made the game closer than it initially appeared. Andy Clayton-King, AP Fullscreen Oct. 21, 2017: Michigan State 17, Indiana 9, Spartan Stadium: Trailing late to upset-minded Indiana, Brian Lewerke led two touchdown drives to escape the Hoosiers and improve MSU to 6-1. Mike Carter, USA TODAY Sports Fullscreen Nov. 4, 2017: Michigan State 27. Penn State 24, Spartan Stadium: Matt Coghlin’s 34-yard field goal as time expired gave MSU the victory in a rain-soaked game that was delayed for three hours in the second quarter due to lightning strikes. Those who stuck around won’t forget the upset victory by the battered Spartans. Mike Carter, USA TODAY Sports Fullscreen Nov. 18, 2017: Michigan State 17, Maryland 7, Spartan Stadium: In another rainy game, LJ Scott ran for 147 yards and two scores as the defense held Maryland off the scoreboard until late in the fourth quarter of a workmanlike home victory. Nick King, Lansing State Journal Fullscreen Nov. 25, 2017: Michigan State 40, Rutgers 7, High Point Solutions Stadium: The Spartans outscored the Scarlet Knights 24-0 in the second half to flip the script on the previous year’s 3-9 mark, finishing the regular season 9-3 and earning an invite to the Holiday Bowl. Noah K. Murray, USA TODAY Sports Fullscreen Dec. 28, 2017: Michigan State 42, Washington State 17, Qualcomm Stadium: In the Holiday Bowl, Brian Lewerke threw for three touchdowns and the defense flexed its muscle, rolling past the Cougars and restoring MSU’s tradition of 10-win seasons under Mark Dantonio. Orlando Ramirez, USA TODAY Sports Fullscreen Aug. 31, 2018: Michigan State 38, Utah State 31, Spartan Stadium: In a wild opener, linebacker Joe Bachie tipped and intercepted a pass to preserve a victory over a Utah State team that ended up with 10 wins, making this less of an upset bid than it seemed at the time. AP Fullscreen Sept. 22, 2018: Michigan State 35, Indiana 21, Memorial Stadium: MSU pulled out the bag of tricks, scoring on a fake field goal, a pick-six and a jet sweep to freshman wideout Jalen Nailor, as the Spartans escaped Bloomington with a well-fought victory. Trevor Ruszkowski, USA TODAY Sports Fullscreen Sept. 29, 2018: Michigan State 31, Central Michigan 20, Spartan Stadium: MSU built a 31-3 third-quarter lead against CMU, but was forced to re-insert the starters after the Chippewas scored 17 straight points. Kirthmon F. Dozier, Detroit Free Press Fullscreen Oct. 13, 2018: Michigan State 21, Penn State 17, Beaver Stadium: Brian Lewerke connected with Felton Davis for a 25-yard score with 19 seconds remaining and a Spartans team decimated by injuries once again scored an upset victory over the rival Nittany Lions, this time on enemy ground. AP Fullscreen Oct. 27, 2018: Michigan State 23, Purdue 13, Spartan Stadium: Backup quarterback Rocky Lombardi was serenaded by chants of his first name, filling in for the injured Brian Lewerke. A late pop pass to electric freshman Jalen Nailor gave the Spartans enough juice to hold on. Nick King, Lansing State Journal Fullscreen Nov. 3, 2018: Michigan State 24, Maryland 3, Maryland Stadium: Connor Heyward ran for two touchdowns, including an 80-yarder, as MSU held Maryland to 100 yards of offense. Tommy Gilligan, USA TODAY Sports Fullscreen Nov 24, 2018: Michigan State 14, Rutgers 10, Spartan Stadium: Wideout Cody White took a jet sweep 22 yards for a touchdown with 3:57 remaining as MSU narrowly avoided a loss to 1-11 Rutgers. Mike Carter, USA TODAY Sports Fullscreen Aug. 30, 2019: Michigan State 28, Tulsa 7, Spartan Stadium: The Spartans set a school record for rushing defense, holding the Golden Hurricane to minus-73 yards on the ground, as they controlled the game from start to finish in the opener. Kirthmon F. Dozier, Detroit Free Press Fullscreen Sept. 7, 2019: Michigan State 51, Western Michigan 17, Spartan Stadium: An offense that had sputtered the week before broke out, with new starting tailback Elijah Collins running for 192 yards and wideout Darrell Stewart Jr. hauling in 10 catches for 185 yards and a score as the Spartans rolled in the debut of the neon green alternate uniforms. Junfu Han, Detroit Free Press Fullscreen Sept. 21, 2019: Michigan State 31, Northwestern 10, Ryan Field: A week after squandering a chance to move past Duffy Daugherty to the top of MSU's all-time win list, Mark Dantonio earned win No. 110 as a Spartan, thanks to a good performance on both sides of the ball in the Big Ten opener. Matt Marton, USA TODAY Sports Fullscreen Interested in this topic? You may also want to view these photo galleries: Replay 1 of 110 2 of 110 3 of 110 4 of 110 5 of 110 6 of 110 7 of 110 8 of 110 9 of 110 10 of 110 11 of 110 12 of 110 13 of 110 14 of 110 15 of 110 16 of 110 17 of 110 18 of 110 19 of 110 20 of 110 21 of 110 22 of 110 23 of 110 24 of 110 25 of 110 26 of 110 27 of 110 28 of 110 29 of 110 30 of 110 31 of 110 32 of 110 33 of 110 34 of 110 35 of 110 36 of 110 37 of 110 38 of 110 39 of 110 40 of 110 41 of 110 42 of 110 43 of 110 44 of 110 45 of 110 46 of 110 47 of 110 48 of 110 49 of 110 50 of 110 51 of 110 52 of 110 53 of 110 54 of 110 55 of 110 56 of 110 57 of 110 58 of 110 59 of 110 60 of 110 61 of 110 62 of 110 63 of 110 64 of 110 65 of 110 66 of 110 67 of 110 68 of 110 69 of 110 70 of 110 71 of 110 72 of 110 73 of 110 74 of 110 75 of 110 76 of 110 77 of 110 78 of 110 79 of 110 80 of 110 81 of 110 82 of 110 83 of 110 84 of 110 85 of 110 86 of 110 87 of 110 88 of 110 89 of 110 90 of 110 91 of 110 92 of 110 93 of 110 94 of 110 95 of 110 96 of 110 97 of 110 98 of 110 99 of 110 100 of 110 101 of 110 102 of 110 103 of 110 104 of 110 105 of 110 106 of 110 107 of 110 108 of 110 109 of 110 110 of 110 Autoplay Show Thumbnails Show Captions Last Slide Next Slide Line time Senior Tyler Higby started at left tackle, and MSU predominantly used its starting group throughout the first two-plus quarters: Luke Campbell at left guard, Matt Allen at center, Matt Carrick at right guard and Jordan Reid at right tackle. Blake Bueter played some right guard and center in a reserve capacity in the second half before the Spartans brought in their younger players.

Higby finished last week's 10-7 loss to Arizona State after starting left tackle Kevin Jarvis suffered a right knee injury late in the second quarter . Higby started three games at left tackle a year ago and has played both guard and center spots at MSU.

Jarvis was the third injured left tackle for the Spartans (2-1). Cole Chewins (back) and A.J. Arcuri (right ankle) remain out. Tackle Mustafa Khaleefah also did not make the trip.

The Spartans were without cornerback Shakur Brown for the third straight game, and defensive end Brent Mossburg for the second straight.

Contact Chris Solari at csolari@freepress.com . Follow him on Twitter @chrissolari . Read more on the Michigan State Spartans and sign up for our Spartans newsletter .

CLOSE Mark Dantonio reacts to his program-record 110th win at Michigan State, impressed with his team in blowout win at Northwestern, Sept. 21, 2019. Chris Solari, Detroit Free Press