Staff Reporter Matt Firsht recaps the Michigan and Michigan State games, as well as the games from over the weekend around the Mid-American Conference.

(at) Michigan 67, Illinois 65 Illinois (5-4, 3-3 Big Ten) came up just short of a win in third overtime Saturday when they failed to complete a two-point conversion. Quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase led the Fighting Illini with four touchdowns. Illinois running back Mikel Leshoure rushed for 211 yards and three touchdowns on 24 carries. After three consecutive losses, Michigan (6-3, 2-3 Big Ten) came out on the winning end of the highest scoring game in Wolverines history. Denard Robinson who played well, racking up 367 total yards and three touchdowns, left the game due to injury during after the third quarter. Tate Forcier came in to throw the ball for two touchdowns, lifting the Wolverines to victory.

Michigan State 31, Minnesota 8 Minnesota’s (1-9, 0-6 Big Ten) losing streak falls to nine after Saturday’s loss against Michigan State (9-1, 5-1 Big Ten). The Spartans took a 7-0 lead seven minutes into the first quarter and never looked back. The Golden Gophers were held scoreless until the fourth quarter, when Adam Weber completed a nine-yard pass to MarQueis Gray. The successful two-point conversion made the score 24-8. Michigan State was not done scoring though. Edwin Baker not only led the MSU offense, rushing for 179 yards and three touchdowns of the day.

(at) Ohio 34, Buffalo 17 Buffalo (2-7, 1-4 MAC) dropped its fourth consecutive game Thursday, losing 34-17 against Ohio in Athens. Bulls quarterback Alex Zordich completed a 17-yard pass for a touchdown, followed later by six-yard run for a touchdown, but threw two interceptions. The hot streak continues for Ohio (7-3, 5-1 MAC) as its win streak grew to six after Thursday’s victory. Quarterback Boo Jackson had another stellar offensive performance, accounting for three touchdowns on 13-of-19 for 175 yards.

(at) Ball State 37, Akron 30 (2OT) Akron (0-10, 0-6 MAC) remains winless after a 37-30 double overtime loss against Ball State Saturday in Muncie, Ind. Late in the fourth quarter, Akron quarterback Patrick Nicely threw a 17-yard completion for a touchdown to Jeremy LaFrance, tying the game at 23. During overtime, the Zips scored first as Patrick Nicely connected with Jeremy LaFrance once again, for a 22-yard touchdown completion. The Cardinals (3-7, 2-4 MAC) answered with a touchdown of their own as Keith Wenning completed a 24-yard pass to David Schneider, taking the game to second overtime. Akron failed to score during second overtime, while Keith Wenning completed another pass for a touchdown, giving the Cardinals the win. Akron remains the only team in the MAC without a win this season.

Temple 28 (at) Kent State 10 Kent State (4-5, 3-3 MAC) took an early 3-0 lead and held Kent State scoreless throughout the first quarter. Temple (8-2, 5-1 Mac) quarterback Mike Geradi gave his team a 7-3 lead with 12 minutes left in the second quarter when he ran the ball nine yards into the end zone. The Owls had no problem finding offense as Mike Geradi continued his tear, throwing two more touchdown passes. Running back Bernard Pierce also scored a touchdown for Temple. The Golden Flashes offense struggled mightily, scoring no touchdowns. Their only touchdown of the day came when wide receiver Sam Kirkland returned a blocked punt for a touchdown.