OLB Steve Gardiner wraps up an Owls receiver Saturday EAST LANSING, Mich. -- Michigan State’s defense dominated an overmatched Florida Atlantic team, allowing just 48 total yards of offense en route to a 44-0 win at Spartan Stadium. The win marked MSU’s first shutout since a 17-0 win over Florida Atlantic in 2008.

MSU’s offense also helped put this one away early, and B.J. Cunningham wasted no time breaking Matt Trannon’s all-time receptions record. Cunningham hauled in a 9-yard pass from Kirk Cousins while laying on his back in the first quarter, and finished with five catches for 73 yards.

Cunningham was excellent for the second week in a row, but Keshawn Martin established himself as a pass catcher early as well. Martin caught six passes for 68 yards in the first half, making several Owl defenders miss in the open field. Cousins was an efficient 13 of 16 for 161 yards and one touchdown in the first half, finishing 16 of 21 for 183 yards yards and two scores.

But the big story Saturday was MSU’s defense. FAU recorded its first 1st down with three minutes left in the second quarter, and had just 26 yards of total offense in the first half. Max Bullough looked good for the second week in a row with a team-high four tackles, and the secondary was equally impressive. Sophomore cornerback Darqueze Dennard continues to establish himself in the secondary and looked in run support as well. FAU only ran 18 plays in the first half with an 8:40 MSU time of possession advantage, as the Spartans more than achieved their goal of better 3rd down defense.

Kicker Dan Conroy redeemed himself for last week’s miss, nailing a 50-yard field goal in the second quarter to put MSU up 17-0. Conroy also connected on field goals from 41 and 28 yards out, but also missed a 28-yard try in the third quarter. Kickoff specialist Kevin Muma also improved with three touchbacks.

MSU was also able to give backup quarterback Andrew Maxwell significant reps before the game was truly out of hand. Maxwell finished 6 of 9 for63 yards and looked sharp for the most part. The Spartans also worked several offensive linemen throughout the first half, with Fou Fonoti and Dan France splitting time at left tackle. Senior Jared McGaha, who started at left tackle last week, also saw action at right tackle.

The Spartans move to 2-0 on the season following a much better effort in week two, and travel to South Bend next week where they will take on Notre Dame.

