COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Never count out the underdog when Michigan State and Ohio State meet when the stakes are highest.
In a series that is becoming known for its major surprises in big-time matchups, the Spartans continued the recent trend of upsets when the Big Ten powers hook up, this time stunning the reigning national champions at the Horseshoe without their starting quarterback.
With Connor Cook sidelined by a shoulder injury, No. 9 Michigan State bottled up No. 3 Ohio State’s high-powered offense, weathered some brutal conditions and pulled out a hard-fought thriller on Saturday to claim a 17-14 victory that will have major implications in both the conference and national races.