The Michigan State Spartans have their gameplan working early in Indianapolis -- hold on to the ball, milk the clock, play shutdown defense and capitalize on opportunities. The Spartans lead the undefeated Ohio State Buckeyes 17-10 at halftime, in a result that would certainly shake up the BCS picture were it to continue.
Michigan State has Ohio State on upset alert in Big Ten title game
The game was a low-scoring one in the first quarter, with Michael Geiger's 40-yard field goal the only points in the period.
Connor Cook played a phenomenal half, and got on the board twice in the second quarter. His first touchdown toss was 72 yards to a wide-open Keith Mumphrey and less than five minutes later he found Tony Lippett for another score -- this one from 33 yards out.
Here’s the Mumphrey touchdown, for your viewing pleasure.
Cook finished the half 11-of-17 for 182 yards and two scores -- more yardage than five of his regular season games.
After the second Sparty touchdown, Ohio State seemed to bring an extra level of determination to its offensive gameplan, marching down the field for a quick score. Braxton Miller found Philly Brown in the end zone for a 20-yard score, cutting the Michigan State lead to 17-7.
With less than 30 seconds to play in the half, Miller found Jeff Heuerman over the middle for a big gain, setting up Drew Basil's 28-yard field goal to bring the deficit back within a score.
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