EAST LANSING, Mich. -- Brian Lewerke ran for two touchdowns in the first half, and No. 21 Michigan State overcame a slow start and an underwhelming finish to beat Central Michigan 31-20 on Saturday.
The Spartans entered with the nation's top-ranked run defense and held CMU to 5 yards on the ground in the first two quarters. Michigan State led 31-3 before letting the Chippewas rally a bit in the fourth.
"As I continue to say, nothing ever easy," Spartans coach Mark Dantonio said.
Connor Heyward and La'Darius Jefferson also ran for touchdowns for the Spartans.