MSU and Ohio State are tied 7-7 at halftime in Columbus, Ohio. 

Connor Cook’s shoulder keeps him sidelined

Much speculation surrounded the status of fifth-year senior quarterback Connor Cook coming into the game. Cook was used sparingly in pregame warmups and only threw short passes with little velocity. He was downgraded from starter to a “game-time decision” and then was downgraded again to out-of-play. Junior quarterback Tyler O’Connor started the first drive and sophomore Damion Terry finished it. O’Connor and Terry would continually switch in and out for the remainder of the first half.

Montae Nicholson and the MSU defense disrupt the Buckeyes

On third down and three yards to go from their own 48-yard line, the Buckeyes’ quarterback J.T. Barrett rushed off-tackle left with nothing but green grass in front of him. But, sophomore safety Montae Nicholson screamed down his line to make an ankle-tackle on Barrett, and a possible touchdown saving one at that.

The MSU defense was able to hold the Buckeyes to just over 12 minutes of possession and 75 total yards in the first half.

MSU fumbles at its 32-yard line, OSU capitalizes

The Spartans faced third down and eight yards to go from their 44-yard line. Terry dropped back to pass, but was sacked by OSU’s Joey Bosa. Terry fumbled the ball on the OSU cavalry’s impact at the MSU 34-yard line and the Buckeyes capitalized. OSU Running back Ezekiel Elliott ran in the first touchdown of the game from one yard out, on fourth down, and the Buckeyes went up, 7-0, with 12:45 remaining in the half.

Aaron Burbridge forced out of bounds – makes huge third down catch – MSU scores

Well, a lot of irony occurred on this drive. On third down and 14 from the MSU 36-yard line, senior wide receiver Aaron Burbridge ran a fade down the sideline. Burbridge was forced out of bounds, (and a defensive pass interference penalty was called), but he reestablished his position and caught a 36-yard pass from O’Connor. The Spartans would go on to score their first touchdown of the game on a 12-yard pass from O’Connor to fifth-year senior fullback Trevor Pendleton. MSU tied the game, 7-7, with 7:57 remaining in the half.

OSU shanks punt, MSU misses scoring opportunity

On fourth down and 17 to go, the Buckeyes punted from their own 18-yard line. Cameron Johnston, the OSU punter, shanked the kick and ended up with a net punt of five yards. The Spartans took over from their 23-yard line, but had to settle for a 43-yard field goal attempt after moving back three yards. Junior kicker Michael Geiger missed the field goal attempt.