The offensive line that played so well through the first two games struggled early for the Spartans. One each of Michigan State’s first two drives, the Hurricanes recorded a sack, both of which essentially ended the drive.
Michigan State was able to find some rhythm late in the first quarter, getting a big run from Kenneth Walker III and a third-down scramble from Payton Thorne to move deep into Miami territory. However, when the Spartans needed some tough yards in the red zone, it couldn’t get any push and had to settle for a Matt Coghlin field goal.