Michael Geiger's 41-yard field goal, from the right hash, added to Michigan State's lead early in the second quarter.
MSU was marching. Despite a 10-yard hold assessed to Jamal Lyles, the Spartans managed to work themselves into Northwestern territory before the field goal.
Michigan State leads 17-7, and has 146 total yards of offense to Northwestern's 82.
Northwestern gets on board in 1Q
In three drives, Northwestern had yet to get a first down.
But on their fourth, things changed a little for the Wildcats.
After Northwestern picked up a pair of first downs, Justin Jackson found some holes in the Michigan State defense, taking the handoff from Clayton Thorson 29 yards for a touchdown.