A costly punt return fumble by Skye Dawson late in the game turned into a touchdown that gave Michigan State the lead and a 47-yard field goal by kicker Dan Conroy sealed a 17-16 win over the TCU Horned Frogs in the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl.
TCU quarterback Trevone Boykin threw for 201 yards. Josh Boyce had 5 receptions for 91 yards and the TCU defense held Michigan State to just 227 total yards.
Oberkrom sets BWWB record
Jaden Oberkrom gave the Frogs a 16-14 lead late in the fourth quarter on a 52-yard field goal. The 52-yard attempt set a new record for a made field goal at the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl.
Special teams miscue provides lead for MSU
Punt returner Skye Dawson gave Michigan State the ball at the four-yard line and the Spartans capitalized on the mistake taking a 14-13 lead. The Spartans punted to TCU with 7:13 left in the game and Dawson couldn’t handle the ball. Safety RJ Williamson recovered the ball and runningback Le’Veon Bell punched it in two plays later.
Big offensive plays
TCU’s offense totaled 204 yards in the first half, including 136 through the air. Boykin had two long pass plays to help the Frogs extend their 7-0 lead. The first long ball was a 59-yard throw to wide receiver Kolby Listenbee for his first collegiate reception. That catch set up a 47-yard field goal by Jaden Oberkrom. Boykin found wide receiver Josh Boyce on the next drive for a 61 yard pick up. Boyce ran the width of the field to find open space for the run.
Michigan State offense picks up in second half
The Spartans offense had 76 yards in the first half which was their lowest total yards in a half this season. In the second half, the Spartans needed just one drive to match that output. They moved the ball 90 yards and took 6:34 off the clock to cut the lead to 13-7. Bell, who had 11 carries in the first half, had eight carries and a 29-yard pass completion on the scoring drive. The 90-yard scoring drive was the longest of the season for the Spartans and the longest in their bowl history.
Josh Boyce grabs record
Wide receiver Josh Boyce broke TCU’s single season reception record in the fourth quarter with his 65th career reception. He had 5 receptions for 91 yards, including the 61 yard catch-and-run. The reception record was set in 1990 by Kelly Blackwell.
