Defense carries Michigan State again in 14-0 victory over Purdue

The ball pops loose from Purdue quarterback Danny Etling (5) as he is hit by Michigan State linebacker Max Bullough (40) during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 19, 2013, in East Lansing, Mich. At right is Michigan State's Darqueze Dennard (31). The fumble was recovered by Michigan State's Denicos Allen and returned for a touchdown. (AP Photo/Al Goldis) (The Associated Press)

Purdue quarterback Danny Etling throws a pass as Michigan State's Marcus Rush (44) pursues during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 19, 2013, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis) (The Associated Press)

Denicos Allen returned a fumble 45 yards for a touchdown, and Michigan State's offense finally added an insurance score in the fourth quarter of a 14-0 win over Purdue on Saturday.

The Spartans didn't make it past the Purdue 32-yard line until the fourth, when receiver Tony Lippett threw a 5-yard touchdown pass to Andrew Gleichert on a trick play.

Michigan State (6-1, 3-0 Big Ten Conference) remains atop the Legends Division but clearly has work to do with the toughest part of its schedule still to come. Purdue (1-6, 0-3) kept it close after being routed by Wisconsin and Nebraska in its first two conference games, but Paul Griggs missed two field goals.