The Michigan State Spartans upset the undefeated Ohio State Buckeyes 17-14 Saturday behind backup quarterback Tyler O'Connor. The Spartans ended the Buckeyes' 23-game winning streak on Saturday, and put themselves in first-place in the Big Ten East division. The Spartans weren't the only team to pull of an upset this weekend though, as the UConn Huskies shocked the previously undefeated Houston Cougars 20-17.
Spartans starting quarterback Connor Cook did not play on Saturday due to a shoulder injury, missing his first start since taking over 36 games ago. Junior quarterback O'Connor led the Spartans offense to a huge win, and head coach Mark Dantonio now has his team at the top of the East division in the Big Ten at 10-1.
The Spartans played two quarterbacks on Saturday, and both O'Connor and Damion Terry had a huge impact on this game. O'Connor threw the only touchdown pass for the Spartans offense and was seven for 12 throwing on the day. Damion impacted the ground game with eight carries for 25 yards including some big first downs.
While the backup quarterbacks may have been the heroes on Saturday, it was the Spartans defense that really won this game. Ohio State's offense was held to just 46 passing yards, and Heisman hopeful Ezekiel Elliott only managed 33 yards on 12 carries.
The Spartans still have to beat the Penn State Nittany Lions next week to win the East division in the Big Ten, but if their defense keeps playing this way, they may be on their way to the College Football Playoff. The Buckeyes will surely drop in the rankings, and it will be interesting to see who the committee decides are the top four teams in the College Football Playoff Poll this upcoming week.
While the Spartans are one step closer to a Big Ten Championship game, the Houston Cougars took a big step backwards losing to a 5-5 UConn team. The Huskies have gotten their first signature win under head coach Bob Diaco, and have improved to 6-5 - 4-3 in conference play - this season. There were reportedly over 50 recruits at Rentschler Field Saturday, and Diaco and the Huskies delivered with a statement win, according to SB Nation's UConn Blog.
Houston quarterback Kyle Postma was hurt late in the fourth quarter, and was not able to return on the Cougars final drive. Greg Ward Jr. stepped in behind center but struggled going one for four and throwing the game-ending interception. Postma's injury looked significant, and head coach Tom Herman said the severity of the injury is unknown but that he twisted his knee, according to Joseph Duarte of the Houston Chronicle.
The Cougars can still win the American Athletic Conference West division, but have a tough test upcoming against an 8-1 Navy team. The Midshipmen are undefeated in conference play this season, but Houston will play at home and likely be fired up after taking a tough loss this Saturday.
