Michigan State looked to have a good game plan going for them in the first quarter with a way to control the clock, but what was a close rivalry game has tilted in favor of No. 2 Michigan as the teams hit the halftime break. Michigan has a 27-10 lead on the Spartans after a 20-point second quarter.
Michigan has ended all of their possessions in the first half with a score, which has been the best counter to Michigan State’s clock management game plan. Michigan has rolled up 287 yards of offense and 17 first downs against Michigan State.
Michigan State drove 75 yards to open the game with a touchdown drive against the rival Wolverines. LJ Scott had a hand on all but one of the 12 plays on the drive, which ended with a five-yard touchdown run by the Spartans running back. Running the ball and managing the clock was key for the Spartans in the first quarter, as Michigan State held the football for 11 and a half minutes as the first quarter came to a close.
While the Spartans had control of the clock, Michigan’s lone possession of the first quarter still resulted in an 80-yard touchdown drive. De’Veon Smith and Eddie McDoom led the ground game, but Jabrill Peppers would score for the Wolverines out of the wild cat formation to tie the game. He also once again demonstrated just how awesome a good pylon cam is...
Pylon cam shot of that @JabrillPeppers TD = 🔥 pic.twitter.com/b5PdQUhWsF
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) October 29, 2016
Michigan State managing the clock could end up being a factor in the second half, but the defense absolutely needs to find a footing against a Michigan offense that is mixing things up effectively and running the ball well. Michigan is averaging 6.8 yards per rushing attempt. The Spartans also need to play with more discipline after being flagged six times for 42 yards in the first half. Michigan has been flagged just once for five yards.