Wisconsin closed out the first half in East Lansing with a 13-3 run to take a 13-6 lead on Michigan State into the halftime break. If you were looking for a good defensive battle this afternoon, look no further than Michigan State vs. Wisconsin, because the Spartans and Badgers are playing tough on that side of the football.
Michigan State scored a field goal midway through the first quatre for the 3-0 lead, but the Badgers have managed to string together a 16-play drive covering 65 yards for a touchdown. Alex Hornibrook tossed a short pass to tight end Eric Steffes for a one-yard touchdown pass and the lead. Badgers running back Corey Clement scored from the goal line midway through the second quarter to cap a much shorter six-play, 28-yard drive setup by the defense. Sojourn Shelton picked off a pass from Michigan State’s Tyler O’Conner to put the Badgers up in great position. Michigan State would tack on another field goal before halftime.
The Spartans are playing without linebacker Riley Bullough, who was ruled out for the game and could potentially be out longer according to Vinnie Duber of CSN Chicago. Bullough is out due to an injury, the school announced prior to kickoff today. The injury was reportedly sustained last week against Notre Dame.
Wisconsin has taken advantage of their third and fourth-down opportunities so far. The Badgers have converted five of eight third down situations, and are a clean two-for-two on fourth down thanks to the fullback dive.