After a pair of touchdown runs by Bell put Michigan State (2-0) ahead 14-0, Maxwell led the Spartans to a touchdown and a field goal in the final two minutes of the first half as the Spartans took a commanding 24-0 halftime lead.

On Michigan State's opening drive of the third quarter, Maxwell led a five-play, 65-yard drive and capped it with a short TD pass to Bennie Fowler to make it 31-0.

Fowler had eight catches for 100 yards to lead the Spartans.

Maxwell, who threw three interceptions last week in the season-opening win over Boise State, earned his first career road win as a starter after serving as Kirk Cousins understudy the past two years.

Central Michigan (1-1) avoided its first home shutout since 1978 when Jason Wilson returned an interception 55 yards for a touchdown with 1:39 remaining.

GAME NOTEBOOK: The crowd of 35,127 at Kelly/Shorts Stadium set a school record for Central Michigan. ... As part of a statewide deal Michigan State established in 2009, the Spartans will also make trips to Western Michigan and Eastern Michigan. ... The Spartans held Central Michigan to just 245 yards of total offense and forced three turnovers.