Michigan State pummels WSU
Brian Lewerke threw for 213 yards and three touchdowns, LJ Scott ran for 110 yards and two scores, and No. 18 Michigan State took advantage of quarterback Luke Falk’s absence to rout No. 21 Washington State 42-17 in the Holiday Bowl on Thursday night.
Lewerke also rushed for 73 yards for Michigan State (10-3), which rebounded from a 3-9 record last year to reach double digits in wins for the eighth time in program history.
Falk, who was photographed earlier in the week with a cast on his left wrist, went through warm-ups but came out in street clothes at game time. He was replaced by redshirt sophomore Tyler Hilinksi, who made his first start and eighth appearance of the season. It’s unclear precisely when Falk injured the wrist on his nonthrowing hand, but he had issues with it throughout the season. Coach Mike Leach refused to give specifics during the week.
Hilinski led Washington State (9-4) to a 45-yard field goal by Erik Powell on its second drive, but the Cougars were overpowered by the Spartans.
Lewerke threw the first of two TD passes to Cody White, a 7-yarder midway through the second quarter, when Lewerke was flushed to the left but found the receiver in the back of the end zone.
On Michigan State’s next possession, Lewerke took the snap and glanced at his running back, which froze the secondary and allowed Felton Davis III to get wide open for a 49-yard scoring pass.
Scott scored on a 3-yard run to give the Spartans a 21-3 halftime time.
Early in the third, Lewerke threw a pass that was tipped but was still caught by a sliding White caught it for a 7-yard touchdown.
Lewerke, who finished 13 of 21, was hit hard on a keeper in the third quarter and came out for a few plays. His backup, Damion Terry, scored on a 6yard keeper to make it 35-3.
Scott scored on a 28-yard burst up the middle with about six minutes left to play.
Hilinski was 39 of 50 for 272 yards and two touchdowns, with one interception.