Michigan State Vs. Northwestern, First Quarter: Sparty In Trouble, Trailing 7-0

The Spartans are off to an inauspicious start in rainy Evanston, committing a 10-yard penalty on the very first play and following that up with a three-and-out to open the game. Michigan State and Northwestern trade short, futile drives for the first six minutes or so of the first quarter, until a 20-yard Dan Persa pass breaks things open for the first conversion of the game. Persa gets off a 44-yard pass two plays later to put the 'Cats deep in Spartan territory, and settles things himself with 5:30 remaining, on a 3-yard rushing TD.

This is about where the weather really starts to become a hilarious factor. Michigan State's responding drive ends in a fumble on 2nd-and-5 at their own 44. Northwestern returns the favor, fumbling on the goal line with three minutes remaining in the quarter. The Spartans go three-and-out, and Northwestern is driving as the clock runs down.

At the end of the first quarter, Northwestern leads Michigan State, 7-0.