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.
The scoring drive went 57 yards in seven plays and late in the first quarter, Michigan State has a 14-7 lead.
Spartans take first three-and-out
For the first time, Michigan State's offense went three-and-out.
The Spartans started at their own 10-yard line, managing only seven yards, before Brian Lewerke's incomplete pass — intended for Donnie Corley — brought up fourth down.