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Key play
It was the first play of a series, Brian Hoyer was as dry as he could get, and he kept his hands in his towel as long as he could before moving under center. With MSU clinging to a 10-0 third-quarter lead and in a dangerous spot at its own 13, Hoyer dropped back, got some grip and let one fly for Mark Dell on a post pattern. Dell hauled it in between two defenders for 47 yards, and five plays later the Spartans scored to make it 17-0.
Unsung hero
Actually, his coaches sang his praises extensively, but some may not have noticed the huge game turned in by MSU sophomore cornerback Chris L. Rucker. He applied himself to Florida Atlantic star receiver Cortez Gent and held him without a catch. Gent dropped a few passes, but Rucker stayed step for step with him all day. "And pro scouts are all over that guy," MSU defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi said of Gent.
Quotable
"When they all come off at one time they look like a herd of water buffalo stampeding at you, and there's a gazelle somewhere in behind them."
Florida Atlantic coach Howard Schnellenberger on MSU's offensive line (the water buffalo) and Javon Ringer (the gazelle)
"It was a mudder."
MSU coach Mark Dantonio
What's next
The Spartans wrap up a three-game home stand with the first rivalry game of the season. Notre Dame will be here at 3:30 p.m. Saturday (ABC, Ch. 7, 12, 41, 53), looking for its fourth straight win at Spartan Stadium. MSU has won eight of 11 overall in the series. The Fighting Irish, coming off a 3-9 campaign, are 2-0 this season after Saturday's 35-17 win over Michigan.
