By Tom Luicci
ScarletKnights.com
EAST LANSING, Mich. - The challenge of facing a top 10 team on the road becomes even more daunting when that nationally-ranked team is playing at the top of its game - even if it's only for a half.
Rutgers found that out the hard way today.
No. 10-ranked Michigan State parlayed a near-flawless first half into a 45-3 victory over the Scarlet Knights before an announced crowd of 70,902 at Spartan Stadium, using all of its star power early to dismiss Rutgers' upset hopes.
The Spartans (9-2 overall, 6-1 Big Ten) received contributions from all of their marquee offensive players in building a 35-0 halftime lead. That proved to be more than enough of a cushion in a second half that saw the teams exchange field goals until Nick Hill's 16-yard touchdown run with 5:53 to play.
Michigan State quarterback Connor Cook, who finished with 254 passing yards, had 205 of those and both of his touchdown passes in the first half. Running back Jeremy Langford, who extended his streak of 100-yard games to eight by rushing for 126 yards, went for 92 yards and both of his scores before the halftime break.
And wide receiver Tony Lippett had four catches for 54 yards and a score in the first two quarters. He finished with five catches for 72 yards.
Both teams went to their back-up quarterbacks for most of the fourth quarter.
The only points for Rutgers (6-5 overall, 2-5 Big Ten) came off the foot of placekicker Kyle Federico, who made a 44-yard field goal at the end of the third quarter.
The Scarlet Knights finish the regular season next Saturday at Maryland. They will look to get back on track offensively after senior quarterback Gary Nova struggled to generate consistent drives against a unit ranked No. 9 nationally in total defense.
Nova finished 11-of-26 for 108 yards and was intercepted twice.
True freshman running back Robert Martin was the bright spot on offense, rushing for 62 yards on 15 carries.
As much as the star power carried the Spartans early, so did their offensive efficiency. Michigan State was also 7-of-8 on third down conversions in the first half, keeping touchdown drives alive every time.
Rutgers couldn't keep pace during the opening two quarters because it was just 2-of-8 on third down conversions, a season-long struggle for the Scarlet Knights.
Michigan State had a 14-0 first quarter lead on Cook's 30-yard touchdown pass to Lippett and Langford's 18-yard scoring run.
Langford added a 34-yard second quarter touchdown run, Nick Hill scored on a one-yard touchdown run and Cook connected with R.J. Shelton for a seven-yard touchdown pass with 28 seconds left before halftime for the 35-0 advantage.
Michigan State's early dominance saw the Spartans total 334 yards of offense in the first half to Rutgers' 117, with the Scarlet Knights' best scoring chance then a 46-yard field goal try by Federico that was short and wide in the second quarter.
