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Michigan State Falls in Shootout with Northwestern, 54-40

EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) Justin Jackson rushed for 188 yards and two touchdowns, and Northwestern moved the ball almost at will after a slow start, beating Michigan State 54-40 on Saturday night.

Clayton Thorson threw for 281 yards and three TDs for the Wildcats, who rallied from an early 14-0 deficit.

Northwestern held Michigan State to 3 yards of offense in the second quarter.

The Spartans made a change at quarterback for this game, starting redshirt freshman Brian Lewerke instead of Tyler O'Connor, but Michigan State's problems extend well beyond one position.