(DY #1) WMU bounces back wining first game against ranked in 20 years - arotwlv's Dynasty

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(DY #1) WMU bounces back wining first game against ranked in 20 years

Posted on September 20, 2011 at 05:07 PM.

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Kalamazoo, Michigan � Well that�s more like it. Western Michigan knocked off #24 Michigan State in an unexpected blowout. WMU beat their first ranked opponent in over 20 years. This one wasn�t even close.

Lee Holiday finally stepped up and showed why he was All-MAC QB last year and this pre-season. He threw for 383 yards and 3 TD�s while completing 70% of his passes. His favorite target of the day was once again TE Kevin Brown. Brown eclipsed the 100 yard mark for the second straight week and caught 10 passes with 1 TD. Heisman watch player Dave Myers ran 22 times for 99 yards and had 2 TD�s. Better than last week but if he is wanting that Heisman trophy then he�s going to have to step up.

On the defensive side it was all All-MAC DT Michel Clay who got 3 sacks on the day. All-American CB Joe Austin had 2 key deflections that saved TD�s early. ROLB Austin Gutierrez had 2 Forced Fumbles with CB Cliff Davis picking up 2 of them and taking 1 all the way back for a TD.

Western did a much better job on defense holding Michigan State to only 268 yards and stopping their #3 rushing attack to only 75 yards. Once again though WMU gave up the long ball but only once. They also held the Spartans to only 193 yards passing on a dismal 8-24.

The game was tied 7-7 in the 2nd quarter on but turnovers by State screwed their chances. The Spartans gave up 5 turnovers, 3 fumbles and 2 interceptions. Western only gave up a fumble from Lee Holiday while attempting to throw.

Western scored 21 points in the 2nd and 4th quarter on their way to a blowout. Michigan State only scored in the 2nd. They made it twice to the red zone but threw a pick late in the 4th.

Western Michigan plays their second home game against a fast improving Colorado team next week. The game can be seen on ESPN2 at 10:00PM ET. Michigan State has a huge game at home against #4 Notre Dame.