Michigan State had all the opportunities in the first quarter but came up empty twice. Michigan took advantage by going 72 yards to take the first lead, 7-0, with 13:13 left in the second quarter.
Fullback Sione Houma began the drive with a 27-yard run and finished it with a 2-yard touchdown run.
Michigan State had a 16-play drive that came up empty when it failed to convert on fourth-and-8 from the Michigan 28. MSU has struggled kicking the ball this year and opted against a 45-yard attempt.
UM closing in
Michigan bounced back after a bad first possession and closed the first quarter at the MSU 23 after converting a third-and-9.