21 Days/9 Games Later, Orange Goes Down

#52 Toledo – 20

#13 Michigan State – 23 (OT)

EAST LANSING, Mich. -- Thwarted first by the unreliable PlayStation Network connectivity, Green was able to outlast Orange and defeat him for the first time of the 2012 tournament.

At the start of 2012 TNS, whispers loomed of a talented color seeking to prove himself on a third generation system where his comfort level matched his swagger.  No game Orange has contest could more speak to the dog, the fiery passion motivating him on this 2012 mission than his first defeat.

Throughout seven and a half quarters of play, Orange stood toe-to-toe with Green in what should have been a lopsided encounter,  After all, Michigan State is a highly ranked, talented team, which was playing on its home turf.  Green was able to jump out to a 20-10 second half lead, only to see Orange consistently chip away.  Toledo QB Terrance Owens hooked up with a receiver on a final possession before the end of regulation with a pass that was tipped multiple times by two Spartan defenders.  A Toledo kick goal forced overtime, Green’s second match of the tournament that could not be settled in regulation.

The game did not hang in the balance much longer, as Green was able to intercept Toledo’s first play from scrimmage in OT after winning the toss.  Green wasted no time and sent kicker Dan Conroy straight to the field on first down, who won it with a 42 yard field goal.

It was Orange’s first defeat yet Green left the match exasperated with his play, and perhaps more fearful of his brother despite picking up the W.  Michigan State advanced to set up an all B1G Ten match up against #21 Nebraska.

Stats:

Michigan State

Kirk Cousins – 8/18 for 214 yards, TD, INT, Fumble

Edwin Baker* – 23 carries for 127 yards, TD, 2 receptions for 49 yards, TD

Dana Dixon – 6 tackles (4 solo), 2 ATK

Toledo

Terrance Owens – 14/24 for 228 yards, 2 INT

Mark Singer – 11 tackles (8 solo), 3 ATK

13 first downs, 3 turnovers