SportsDirect Inc. staff
Sep 4, 2010
Le'Von Bell and Edwin Baker both ran for two touchdowns and rushed for over 100 yards, leading Michigan State to a 38-14 win over Western Michigan in the season opener for both teams Saturday.

The Spartans broke away from a 7-7 tie by scoring four consecutive touchdowns in a span of 15 minutes from early in the second quarter to early in the third period.

Bell rushed for 141 yards on 10 carries while Baker picked up 117 yards on 17 carries.

Michigan State quarterback Kirk Cousins completed 13-of-21 passes for 186 yards and a touchdown, including a 20-yard scoring pass to Keith Nichol that put the Spartans ahead for good at the 12:20 mark of the second quarter.

Western Michigan quarterback Alex Carder threw for two touchdowns and an interception, completing 27-of-49 passes.

Michigan State scored quickly on its first possession with Baker running 28 yards for a touchdown, capping a two-play, 36-yard drive at the 12:40 mark.

Western Michigan tied the game with 12 seconds left in the quarter, converting on a fourth and goal from the two as Carder hit Juan Nunez.

The Spartans scored the next three touchdowns to open a 28-7 lead at halftime, beginning with Cousins' touchdown pass to Nichol. Michigan State closed the half with two scores in the final 3:33. Baker scored on a seven-yard run before Bell scored on a two-yard run.

Bell scored again on an 18-yard with the 12:00 mark of the third quarter.

Carder threw his second touchdown pass, hitting Blake Hammond with a two-yard toss in the third quarter.

Dan Conroy kicked a 32-yard field goal for Michigan State in the fourth quarter.