Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs. Michigan State Spartans: 2021 Week 5 Recap

Quick answer

Michigan State Spartans defeated Western Kentucky Hilltoppers 48–31 in Week 5, 2021. Final score: Western Kentucky Hilltoppers 31, Michigan State Spartans 48.

Game summary

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Team	Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4	Final
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers	15	6	0	12	31
Michigan State Spartans	12	12	3	3	48

Stars of the game

Top passers, rushers, and receivers from cfbfastR play-by-play.

Passing

• Bailey Zappe (98) — 0.0 yds · 3 TD · +0.61 EPA/play +31.79 EPA
• Payton Thorne (127) — 0.0 yds · 1 TD · +0.68 EPA/play +14.99 EPA
• Drew Zaubi (98) — 0.0 yds · -0.20 EPA/play -0.20 EPA

Rushing

• Kenneth Walker III (127) — 0.0 yds · 2 TD +0.04 EPA
• Jordon Simmons (127) — 0.0 yds -0.34 EPA
• Payton Thorne (127) — 0.0 yds · 1 TD +0.26 EPA

Receiving

• Jerreth Sterns (98) — 17 rec · 0.0 yds +0.65 EPA
• Jalen Nailor (127) — 8 rec · 0.0 yds +1.05 EPA
• Mitchell Tinsley (98) — 7 rec · 0.0 yds +1.42 EPA

Quarterback report card

Attempts, efficiency, and EPA.

Player	Team	Att	Cmp%	Yds	TD	EPA/play	Total EPA
Bailey Zappe	98	52	86.5%	0	3	+0.61	+31.79
Payton Thorne	127	22	86.4%	0	1	+0.68	+14.99
Drew Zaubi	98	1	0.0%	0	0	-0.20	-0.20

Team EPA comparison

Stat	WKU	MSU
Plays	0	0
EPA / play	—	—
Total EPA	—	—
Success rate	—	—
Pass EPA / play	—	—
Rush EPA / play	—	—
Yards	0	0

Drive chart

Key possessions and results.

Qtr	Offense	Plays	Yards	EPA	Result
Q1	98	1	0	+0.16	Ended
Q1	98	4	0	+5.18	Pass TD
Q1	127	3	0	-2.35	Ended
Q1	98	1	0	-0.34	Ended
Q1	127	1	0	+2.96	Pass TD
Q1	98	1	0	+4.86	Field goal
Q1	127	3	0	+1.64	Ended
Q1	98	5	0	-0.52	Ended
Q1	127	1	0	+1.30	Rush TD
Q1	98	3	0	+2.92	Punt
Q1	127	6	0	+5.29	Ended
Q1	98	3	0	-1.76	Touchdown
Q1	98	8	0	+1.92	Ended
Q2	127	2	0	+1.86	Rush TD
Q2	98	1	0	-2.88	Fumble
Q2	127	4	0	+3.25	Rush TD

Biggest EPA swings

1. Q4 · Western Kentucky Hilltoppers · Bailey Zappe pass complete to Jerreth Sterns for 28 yds for a TD, (Bailey Zappe pass to Mitchell Tinsley for Two-Point Conversion) (+4.95 EPA)
2. Q1 · Western Kentucky Hilltoppers · Bailey Zappe pass complete to Mitchell Tinsley for 60 yds to the MchSt 5 for a 1ST down (+4.86 EPA)
3. Q3 · Michigan State Spartans · Kenneth Walker III run for 4 yds to the WKent 32 (-4.46 EPA)
4. Q1 · Western Kentucky Hilltoppers · John Haggerty III punt for 61 yds , Jayden Reed returns for 88 yds for a TD, (Matt Coghlin KICK) (-4.25 EPA)
5. Q2 · Michigan State Spartans · Payton Thorne run for 12 yds for a TD, (Matt Coghlin KICK) (+3.71 EPA)
6. Q1 · Michigan State Spartans · Payton Thorne pass complete to Jayden Reed for 46 yds to the WKent 25 for a 1ST down (+3.23 EPA)
7. Q1 · Michigan State Spartans · Payton Thorne pass complete to Tre Mosley for 27 yds to the WKent 46 for a 1ST down (+3.1 EPA)
8. Q3 · Western Kentucky Hilltoppers · Bailey Zappe pass complete to Jerreth Sterns for 19 yds to the MchSt 1 (-3.08 EPA)

Key takeaways

• Michigan State Spartans controlled the final (48–31) in Week 5.
• Passing edge: Bailey Zappe (98) — yds, 3 TD.
• EPA edge: WKU at EPA/play.
• Full EPA, scoring map, and play-by-play live in CFB Analytics Box & Scores.

Frequently asked questions

What was the final score of Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs Michigan State Spartans?

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers 31, Michigan State Spartans 48 in Week 5 of the 2021 college football season.

Who won Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs Michigan State Spartans?

Michigan State Spartans won with a final score of 31–48.

Where can I find the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs Michigan State Spartans box score?

See EPA, scoring timeline, and full play-by-play on FantasyHQ CFB Analytics: /cfb-analytics?game=401282223.

Who led Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs Michigan State Spartans in passing?

Bailey Zappe (98) led passers with 0.0 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Full analytics box score

Explore every snap, drive chart, and the interactive scoring map for Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at Michigan State Spartans in FantasyHQ CFB Analytics Box & Scores.