NEU » 22 points in the second half, Ma

EAST LANSING, Mich. -- Tyler OConnor expects it will feel different to take the field this week in Michigan States opening game.You can finally go out there like its your team, the fifth-year senior said.After three years backing up Connor Cook at quarterback, OConnor finally has his chance to lead the Spartans. Hes the starter now, and when No. 12 Michigan State hosts Furman on Friday night, hell try to take the first step toward soothing concerns Spartans fans have about a potential drop-off at that position.OConnor has attempted only 54 passes at Michigan State, so he takes over the starting job amid a fair amount of uncertainty.I think everything is in order for him. I guess my message to him is: Be yourself, understand theres going to be criticism and just if you make a mistake, go at it 100 percent and bounce back from it. Its tough being a quarterback at any level, especially at this level, coach Mark Dantonio said. Hes a competitor and hes prepared himself for this moment and hes got a great supporting cast around him.OConnor was part of an extended quarterback competition at the beginning of the 2013 season, and when Cook -- a sophomore at the time -- ultimately established himself as the starter, OConnor didnt seem to have much of a future at Michigan State. He stayed the course, though, sticking with the Spartans through the end of Cooks college career.OConnor did start one game last year -- at Ohio State when Cook was hurt. The Spartans pulled off a huge upset, and although their offensive approach was conservative that day, OConnor played a role in one of Michigan States greatest victories under Dantonio.Moments like that can help any players confidence, and OConnor has the backing of both his coach and his teammates.He leads the huddle. He does everything the right way. I believed in him when he came in last year. I believe in any quarterback that we have here at Michigan State, receiver R.J. Shelton said. With him, just be poised like you always do and go out there and have fun and get the job done -- which he will.Following on Cooks three-year run -- which included two Big Ten titles -- wont be easy. After last seasons appearance in college footballs four-team playoff, the Spartans have high hopes again. As usual, games against Michigan and Ohio State should go a long way toward defining the season in East Lansing.After facing Furman, the Spartans have an open date on the schedule before playing at Notre Dame. That will probably be the first big test for OConnor this year.I really do try to stay in the moment. Its a long season, a lot of games, a lot of important games on the road, OConnor said. You want to have a huge year, you want to come out and show everybody what you can do, but you can only play one game a week, and theres seven days between each game -- or 15 days after this first game.Unlike Cook, OConnor will only have one season as the starter to leave a legacy at Michigan State. His career as a Spartan will be judged almost entirely on what happens over the next few months. Friday is his final season opener at Spartan Stadium as a college player -- but it also feels like a new beginning for OConnor.Its no wonder hes eager to get started.Its something Ive been waiting for, for a long time, and its finally here, he said. This week cant go quick enough.---Follow Noah Trister at www.Twitter.com/noahtristerJaire Alexander Super Bowl Jersey . Wilson hit Schenn from behind during Tuesday nights game in Philadelphia, earning a five-minute major for charging and a game misconduct. 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Jay Feely kicked a 41-yard field goal in overtime, and the Cardinals edged the Tennessee Titans 37-34 in overtime after blowing a 17-point lead late in the fourth quarter.ESTERO, Fla. -- Otis Livingston II scored 16 of his career-high 22 points in the second half, Marquise Moore had his fourth double-double in six games this season and George Mason pulled away in the second half for a 77-66 win over Bradley on Wednesday.Livingston made 8 of 13 field goals, Moore finished with 17 points, a season-high 15 rebounds and five assists and freshman guard Justin Kier had eight points and a career-best 10 rebounds.George Mason (3-3) scored 14-straight points, including two 3s by Livingston, to take a 41-29 lead with 15:13 left.dddddddddddd A 3-pointer by Karmari Newman sparked a 9-1 run that made it 57-40 about six minutes later and the Patriots led by double figures the rest of the way.Darrell Brown scored 15 and Antoine Pittman added 12 points for Bradley (3-3).George Mason outrebounded the Braves 50-35 and made 23 of 31 free throws. Bradley hit just 11 of 21 foul shots. ' ' '