The defense got stops, generating sacks and turnovers.  Then came the second half shutdown, bringing on survival mode. And, eventually, escape at home against one of the nation’s worst teams.

The Boilermakers defense posted a second-half shutout but the offense could not play clean enough to recover from a 21-point halftime deficit.

Michigan State football will have something to play for in next week's season-finale thanks to a much-needed victory over Purdue on Friday night. The Spartans dominated the Boilermakers in the first half,