Wolverines’ third-down penalties

MSU had the ball on its own 26-yard line facing third down and five when the Wolverines were called for having 12 men on the field. Then, on third down and 18, a U-M interception was called back after Jabrill Peppers was called for defensive holding. MSU would eventually go for it on fourth down and eight from the U-M 29-yard line with 2:04 remaining in the first quarter, but senior quarterback Connor Cook’s pass sailed out of bounds for a turnover-on-downs. The MSU drive lasted 8:05.

U-M puts together the game’s first scoring drive

U-M put together the game’s first scoring drive on a 8-play, 72-yard and 3:46 drive capped off by a 1-yard touchdown run by senior fullback Sione Houma. Houma began the drive with a 27-yard carry and a couple of completions by senior quarterback Jake Rudock brought the Wolverines to the goal line. The touchdown brought the score to 7-0, U-M, with 13:13 remaining in the game.

Shilique Calhoun’s key sack

On third down and nine from their own 19, the Wolverines’ Rudock was sacked by senior defensive end Shilique Calhoun to stop the Wolverines from sustaining another scoring drive. The Spartans took over with good field position at the U-M 46-yard line.

Spartans get on the scoreboard and targeting disqualifies U-M’s Bolden

On the ensuing possession, after U-M senior linebacker Joe Bolden was called for a targeting personal foul on Cook, he was ejected from the game per the NCAA targeting rule. The Spartans were able to capitalize when freshman running back LJ Scott ran in a touchdown from 11 yards out, bringing the score to 7-7 with 7:06 remaining in the half.

MSU special teams falter and the Wolverines take advantage

After MSU put together its first scoring drive, their special teams yet again made the defense’s job harder. U-M took over in MSU territory at the 48-yard line and were able to advance to the MSU 20-yard line. U-M senior kicker Kenny Allen knocked in a 38-yard attempt to bring the score to 10-7 with 5:34 remaining in the half.

MSU special teams falter, again, but Spartans hold off threat

Backup junior quarterback, Tyler O'Connor, was subject to the Spartans’ poor special teams coverage this time, as the Wolverines started the half’s last drive at the MSU 41-yard line after the line-drive kick. The Wolverines were unable to put together a scoring drive this time, though, as Rudock was rushed and forced to throw the ball away on third down from the Spartans 38-yard line.