EAST LANSING, Mich. -- Michigan State lost three straight games in September and looked like a long shot to have any chance in the Big Ten race.
Since then, the Spartans have won three straight in October and find themselves near the top of the conference as they head into next weekend's game against No. 7 Iowa (7-0, 3-0 Big Ten) at East Lansing. Michigan State (4-3, 3-1) is one of three teams with just one conference loss in the Big 10.
"We've battled back from a 1-3 start, and that's not easy to do," Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio said after the Spartans defeated Northwestern 24-14 Saturday. "We've kept our head up and persevered through things. If there's any lesson there, that's the lesson that you learn - stay the course and keep a positive attitude and things will turn out."
Michigan State quarterback Kirk Cousins connected with receiver Blair White for two third-quarter touchdowns against Northwestern (4-3, 1-2), erasing a 7-0 halftime deficit and sparking a Spartan rally.
White finished with 12 catches for 186 yards - both career highs - and two TDs. Cousins was 21 of 31 for 281 yards.
Michigan State's victories over Michigan, Illinois and Northwestern followed consecutive losses to Central Michigan, Notre Dame and Wisconsin. The toughest challenge yet will be Iowa, which kept its perfect season going with a 20-10 road win over Wisconsin on Saturday.
"Iowa right now is playing as the best team in the Big Ten," Cousins said. "They're going to come here and have to go through us, obviously. We expect a great game from them. We're going to have to play better than we've played any week this season in order to have an opportunity to beat them."
Michigan State beat the Hawkeyes 16-13 last season in East Lansing.
Northwestern had its three-game Big Ten road winning streak snapped at Michigan State despite a solid game from quarterback Mike Kafka, who completed 34 of 47 passes for 291 yards and two touchdowns. The Wildcats host Indiana next Saturday.
"We've just got to have a short memory, go back and get back after it because it's a long season," Kafka said.
Kafka was sharp and the Wildcats defense was good, especially considering key injuries in the secondary and defense end Corey Wootton's limited effectiveness as he recovers from knee and ankle injuries.
But Northwestern was hurt by turnovers. A muffed kickoff, for example, led to a short Michigan State touchdown drive in the second half. Northwestern also struggled to run the ball, gaining just 79 yards on 29 carries Saturday.
"There's five weeks left in the season," coach Pat Fitzgerald said. "We can put ourselves in a position to have a significant last month and a half. You've got to go take it in a Big Ten game. No one's going to give it to you."
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Michigan St. Has Won 3 Straight; Iowa Up Next
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Published: October 19, 2009
Published: October 19, 2009
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