Michigan State 38, Northwestern 21

Northwestern defensive lineman Joe Spivak (1) holds a pole bearing a U.S. flag as he runs onto the field with teammates before an NCAA college football game against Michigan State in Evanston, Ill., Friday, Sept. 3, 2021.

Michigan State quarterback Payton Thorne (10) watches running back Kenneth Walker III (9) celebrates with running back Elijah Collins (24) after Kenneth Walker III., scored a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Northwestern in Evanston, Ill., Friday, Sept. 3, 2021.

Michigan State running back Kenneth Walker III runs past Northwestern defensive back Bryce Jackson on the way to a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Evanston, Ill., Friday, Sept. 3, 2021.

Michigan State quarterback Payton Thorne runs with the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Northwestern in Evanston, Ill., Friday, Sept. 3, 2021.

Michigan State running back Kenneth Walker III (9) runs for a touchdown past Northwestern safety Brandon Joseph (16) during the first half of their game in Evanston, Ill., Friday, Sept. 3, 2021.

Michigan State running back Kenneth Walker III, left, celebrates with running back Elijah Collins after scoring a touchdown against Northwestern during the first half.

Michigan State running back Kenneth Walker III., right, is tackled by Northwestern linebacker Khalid Jones during the first half.

Michigan State quarterback Payton Thorne throws a pass against Northwestern during the first half.

Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald stands along the sideline during the first half.

Michigan State running back Kenneth Walker III, right, celebrates with wide receiver Jayden Reed after scoring his second touchdown during the first half.

Northwestern running back Andrew Clair (11) carries against Michigan State during the first half.

Michigan State safety Xavier Henderson (3) celebrates with safety Michael Dowell (7) after Henderson tackled Northwestern wide receiver Stephon Robinson Jr. (5) during the first half.

Northwestern wide receiver Bryce Kirtz, left, reaches in vain for a pass as Michigan State cornerback Kalon Gervin defends during the first half.

Michigan State quarterback Payton Thorne runs with the ball during the first half.

Northwestern quarterback Hunter Johnson throws against Michigan State during the first half.

A Michigan State fan cheers for team before the game.

Northwestern tight end Trey Pugh, right, is tackled by Michigan State cornerback Kalon Gervin during the second half.

Michigan State defensive tackle Simeon Barrow (8) and defensive tackle Kyle King (54) tackle Northwestern running back Andrew Clair during the second half.

Michigan State coach Mel Tucker talks to the team during the second half.

Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald watches during the second half.

Michigan State linebacker Cal Haladay, top, tackles Northwestern wide receiver Stephon Robinson Jr. during the second half.