Washington Defeats Michigan State 21-14 to Secure Bowl Eligibility

Arriving in East Lansing roughly 15 hours before kickoff after travel plans stalled during a nationwide Federal Aviation Administration ground stop, Washington defeated Michigan State 21-14 on Saturday night to secure bowl eligibility.

Jayden Limar ran for a tiebreaking 1-yard touchdown with 2:24 left in the game. The victory lifts the Huskies to a 6-4 overall record and a 3-4 mark in the Big Ten, earning them a postseason berth for the third time in three seasons under coach Jedd Fisch.

“There was a lot of adversity over the course of the last 24 hours, and I think our team handled it exceptionally well,” Fisch said.

Michigan State football falls to Washington 21-14 — News 10 Lansing

Washington has now won three straight road games. Quarterback Demond Williams Jr. said that the team stayed focused despite the schedule disruption.

“Regardless what time we fly in, we knew the game was going to be played,” Williams said.

Washington 21, Michigan State 14 — UW Athletics

Michigan State slipped to 3-7 overall and 1-6 in conference play during coach Pat Fitzgerald’s debut season. The Spartans missed two opportunities to break a 14-all tie in the second half, sealing their seventh loss in eight games when Carson Gulker fumbled at the Washington 41 with 35 seconds remaining.

“You can’t beat your opponent when you beat yourself and I take responsibility,” Fitzgerald said.

Washington at Michigan State | Highlights | Big Ten Football — Big Ten Football

The Spartans were held scoreless in the second half after scoring twice in the opening two quarters. Alessio Milivojevic converted an early third-and-8 with a 30-yard pass to Bryson Williams, setting up a 1-yard touchdown run by Gulker. Williams Jr. answered later in the first quarter with a 58-yard touchdown pass to Chris Lawson, then connected with Lawson again for a 17-yard score in the second quarter.

Michigan State tied the game 14-all before halftime when Cam Fancher threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to Bryson Williams with 1:55 left on the clock. Milivojevic left the game in the second quarter with a left arm injury after completing 7 of 12 passes for 108 yards. Fancher finished 14 of 22 for 134 yards with one touchdown pass and one interception.

Washington Huskies vs Michigan State Spartans Highlights — CFB ON FOX

The Washington defense created key stops after the break. Jacob Manu intercepted an ill-advised pass from Fancher at the Washington 23 late in the third quarter. Early in the fourth quarter, Liam Boyd missed wide right on a 50-yard field goal attempt following a fumble by Dezmen Roebuck on a punt return.

The game-winning drive featured a trick play for the Huskies. Williams Jr. tossed the ball to Roebuck, who threw a lateral back to the quarterback. Williams then completed a 32-yard pass to Decker DeGraaf, paving the way for Limar’s 1-yard score.

“It’s a credit to them with the tough trip they had,” Fitzgerald said.

Michigan State’s roster depth was further tested by injuries to quarterbacks, safety Michael Richard, and defensive lineman Ben Roberts. Next up, Washington hosts No. 6 Indiana on Saturday, while Michigan State hosts No. 18 Oregon on Friday night.