Michigan State managed to go 9-4 overall (6-2 in the Big Ten) last year but did not manage to beat Big Ten rival Ohio State, after defeating Michigan on the road. The Spartans were invited to the Capital One Bowl where they were beaten by Georgia 24-12.

The Spartans had a big day from it's two QB's on opening day to defeat Montana State 44-3, Saturday.

Kirk Cousins threw three touchdown passes and Keith Nichol tossed two in the win. Cousins started the game and completed 10 of 17 passes for 183 yards. Nichol played most of the second quarter and finished 9 of 18 for 135 yards.

On the day, Blair White had nine catches for 162 yards and 2 TDs for the Spartans.

In the first quarter Cousins connected with B.J. Cunningham for 29-yard TD and a 7-0 lead.

In the second quarter, Cousins passed to Blair White for 15-yard TD, 14-0. Nichol pased for both his TD's, a 26-yarder to Dion Sims and a 2-yarder to Brian Linthicum.

The Spartans led 28-0 at the half.

In the third quarter Brett Swenson booted in 2 field goals, the first from 45-yards and the second from 37-yards to give the Spartans a 34-0 lead.

Montana State finally scored when Jason Cunningham kicked a 33-yard field goal, their only points of the game, Spartans 34-3.

In the fourth, Cousins passed to Blair White for 24-yard TD. Later, Dan Conroy booted a 43-yard field goal to end the scoring.

The Spartans next take on Central Michigan at home on Sept. 12.

Spartans QB's Have a Field Day in Big Win