East Lansing — Michigan State lost to Northwestern for the third straight time on Saturday, but its problems go much deeper than that.
The Wildcats, who entered the game having lost three straight, used two big plays in the first half to spark a 29-19 victory over No. 20 Michigan State, its third straight in the series and the third consecutive victory in Spartan Stadium.
Quarterback Clayton Thorson threw for three touchdowns for Northwestern (2-3, 2-1 Big Ten), including two just minutes apart in the first half. He finished with 373 yards passing and added a rushing touchdown in the final minutes as the Spartans could do little to slow the Wildcats offense.