The Hawkeyes received the kick-off and on the third play of the game senior tight end Henry Krieger-Coble fumbled the ball at the Iowa 27-yard line.

The Spartans’ offense took advantage of the great field position with help by freshman wide receiver Felton Davis III’s first meaningful catch of the season, as he caught a 22-yard reception on third down to extend the drive.

MSU was forced to settle for a 23-yard field goal after going three-and-out at the goal line and junior kicker Michael Geiger put it through with ease. MSU took the lead 3-0 with 11:11 remaining in the first quarter.

Cook’s rushed pass lands in Iowa linebacker’s lap

On second down and 12, fifth-year senior quarterback Connor Cook dropped back to pass and was put under heavy pressure. In a rushed attempt, he threw the ball over the middle and it landed in the lap of sophomore linebacker Josey Jewell for an interception.

Textbook coverage on third-and-goal by senior defensive back Arjen Colquhoun halted the Hawkeyes, but they came away with a 24-yard field goal to tie the game with 5:08 remaining in the first quarter, 3-3.

Penalties hurt MSU and Iowa

At the end of the first quarter, MSU was able to gain 45 yards passing on three possessions. In that same time, MSU had four penalties for 45 yards. The Spartans had a pass interference, two holdings and a false start in the quarter.

In Iowa’s case, head coach Kirk Ferentz elected to go for it on fourth-and-four from the MSU 20-yard line, but a false start forced the Hawkeyes to kick a 43-yard field goal, which was good. Iowa took the lead, 6-3, with 13:28 remaining in the half.

MSU gets wacky interception in endzone
Just watch this score-saving interception by junior defensive back Demetrious Cox. Words can’t do college football plays like this justice.

As @joelklatt just said, this clutch @MSU_Football interception was "unbelievable." https://t.co/z7HhJDMyJ0

— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) December 6, 2015