MSU tops Purdue 48-31

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- Michigan State finally got one.

After losing five of their previous six games, each by 7 or fewer points, the Spartans beat Purdue 48-31 on Saturday to become bowl eligible.

Brian Hoyer, who passed for 266 yards and 2 touchdowns and ran for another score, said the team was tired of letting games slip away.

"We talked about channeling our anger and frustration into this game, and not only that, but finishing the game," he said. "For this game, we came out, played hard and played tough for four quarters."

Purdue coach Joe Tiller had said Michigan State's record was deceptive. The Spartans (6-5, 2-5 Big Ten) led Michigan in the fourth quarter a week ago before losing 28-24. Two weeks before that, the Spartans lost 24-17 at top-ranked Ohio State. The 5 losses were by a combined 28 points, and 2 had come in overtime.

Hoyer said the Spartans never lost confidence in themselves.

"We all know what we're capable of," he said. "Everybody in that locker room, all 120 people, the players and the coaches, we all know what we can do. We don't need to listen to the outsiders, because everybody going to doubt us. They always have since I've been here."

Devin Thomas led Michigan State with 10 catches for 116 yards to set a school record for receptions in a season with 68.

Purdue (7-4, 3-4) gained 517 yards, but had 3 costly turnovers.