East Lansing – For nearly a full quarter on Saturday, the energy was back in Spartan Stadium.
The home team was rolling, watching a quarterback efficiently move the offense down the field and an opportunistic defense putting points on the board.
But the initial spark created by the start of redshirt freshman Brian Lewerke at quarterback and the interception return for a touchdown by Justin Layne was extinguished quickly by Northwestern.
The 14-point lead Michigan State built was dismantled swiftly as Northwestern scored 26 straight points during one stretch and went on to beat Michigan State, 54-40, and hand the Spartans their fourth consecutive loss in front of 75,625 disgruntled fans.