South Bend, Ind. — Fifty years after the Game of the Century and three years after their last matchup, No. 12 MSU and No. 18 Notre Dame started timidly before showing flashes which ultimately resulted in a 15-7 lead for MSU at halftime.
After forcing Notre Dame to punt on its first drive, MSU couldn't hold stout against the hurry-up offense of the Irish. A quick play-fake by quarterback Deshone Kizer left Irish receiver Equanimeous St. Brown wide open for a 48 yard gain. Six plays later Kizer scampered 14 yards through the defensive line to put Notre Dame up 7-0.
MSU's first two drives stalled in Notre Dame territory. The first after a failed rush by O'Connor on third down, the second on a tipped ball inside the 10-yard line that was intercepted by Irish safety Devin Studstill.
A meager drive on MSU's next possession caught a break on the punt when an errant bounce ricocheted off Irish blocker Miles Boykin and into the hands of waiting Spartans.
Tyler O'Connor waited only seconds after the ensuing snap before hitting true freshman Donnie Corley in the end zone for 38 yard pass. Corley was able to snatch the ball out of the hands of cornerback Cole Luke.
The Spartans faked the point-after-touchdown with a pass to fifth-year senior tight end Josiah Price by junior holder Matt Macksood for two to put MSU ahead 8-7 with 9:30 to go in the half.
After stifling a Notre Dame drive, MSU began its final drive of the quarter on its own eight-yard line. Runs by LJ Scott and Tyler O'Connor as well as passes from O'Connor to Corley left MSU with a chance to score on first and goal.
One play later, O'Connor tossed a short end around to R.J. Shelton for a 10-yard touchdown. The extra point boosted the lead to 15-7 in favor of MSU.
FIRST HALF STAT LEADERS:
Passing:
MSU: Tyler O'Connor went 12-of-16 for 161 yards and two touchdowns and an interception.
Notre Dame: Deshone Kizer went 8-of-12 for 128 yards and a rushing touchdown.
Rushing:
MSU: LJ Scott carried the ball 10 times for 30 yards.
Notre Dame: Josh Adams carried the ball 7 times for 24 yards.
Receiving:
MSU: Corley caught three passes for 60 yards and one touchdown.
Notre Dame: Torii Hunter, Jr. caught two passes for 29 yards.
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