Michigan State Defense Shuts Down Arizona State

Lorenzo White rushed for 174 yards and one touchdown, and Chris Caudell kicked two fields Saturday to lead Michigan State to a 12-3 victory over Arizona State in the opener for both teams.

With Michigan State leading, 9-3, with five minutes left, the Sun Devils’ Anthony Parker returned a punt 60 yards to the Spartans’ 19-yard line. But Parker’s return was called back because of a clipping penalty.

On Arizona State’s next possession, Mike Crawford fumbled on his 26, and it was recovered by Michigan State’s Rob Stradley. The Spartans’ offense was unable to advance, but Caudell kicked a 49-yard field goal to make it 12-3.

Arizona State had pulled within 9-3 seven seconds into the final quarter on Kent Bostrum’s 25-yard field goal. Sun Devil quarterback Jeff Van Raaphorst, who completed 22 of 46 passes for 228 yards, led a 10-play, 41-yard drive to set up Bostrum’s field goal.

Bostrum missed field goal tries of 38 and 51 yards.

The Spartans took a 6-0 lead on their opening possession when White ran 42 yards for a touchdown. White ran for 127 yards in 20 carries in the first half.

Caudell raised the Spartans’ advantage to 9-0 later in the first quarter with a 31-yard field goal.

Van Raaphorst had trouble moving his team in the first half, as the Michigan State defense held the Sun Devils to 129 yards and intercepted two passes.

The Spartans were penalized 14 times for 108 yards. The Sun Devils were hit with 11 penalties for 100 yards.