Kirk Cousins passed for 270 yards and three touchdowns and the Michigan State defense held the Wisconsin running game in check in the Spartans’ 34-24 win over ninth-ranked Wisconsin.

The 21st-ranked Spartans (5-0), who were playing without head coach Mark Dantonio on the sideline for the second straight week, held the Badgers (4-1) to only 181 rushing yards. Wisconsin was averaging 258 rushing yards per game. Badger star John Clay had only 73 yards on 16 carries; he entered the game rushing for more than 100 yards in 10 straight games.

Cousins threw an eight-yard touchdown to Mark Dell and one-yard score to Charlie Gantt to build a 27-17 Michigan State lead. Then, after Wisconsin had pulled to within 27-24 on Scott Tolzien’s 12-yard touchdown pass to Jacob Pedersen with 11:00 left, Cousins hit B.J. Cunningham on a two-yard touchdown pass with 2:48 left to put the game away.

Cousins completed 20 of 29 passes, but was intercepted twice.

Wisconsin was led by freshman James White, who had 98 yards and two touchdowns in 10 carries. Tolzien completed 11 of 25 yards for 127 yards and a touchdown.

Dantonio, who suffered a mild heart attack two weeks ago, reportedly watched the game from the hospital. He was expected to be in the coaches’ box Saturday, but was re-admitted Thursday after a blot clot was discovered in his leg.

Michigan State plays at Michigan next Saturday. Next up for Wisconsin is Minnesota at home.