Meanwhile, Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller has run all over MSU’s defense, rushing 12 times for 65 yards. He’s also 8-for-11 with 62 yards and an interception through the air.

The Buckeyes opened the game by driving 75 yards to draw first blood on a one-yard run from running back Jordan Hall. The drive was the first time MSU’s defense allowed a team to drive the length of the field for a score.

However, the Spartans retaliated with a 50-yard drive of their own which sputtered at the 17-yard line before senior kicker Dan Conroy nailed a 34-yard attempt. Maxwell was four-of-six passing for 51 yards on the Spartans’ opening drive.

After scoring on their first drives, neither team was able to put more points on the board, as the Buckeyes saw their best chance at scoring fly away when Miller tried to force a throw which landed in the hands of redshirt freshman safety RJ Williamson at the 17-yard line. The Spartans added another turnover when they recovered a Miller fumble at their own 38 with just under two minutes to go in the first half.

Maxwell took the reins and led the Spartans down the field before the drive stalled at Ohio State’s 24-yard line. Conroy’s 42-yard field goal attempt went wide right and Ohio State took over with 33 seconds remaining.

The Spartans will receive the ball to begin the second half.