EAST LANSING - After three straight touchdown drives, Michigan State had a 13-point lead and the ball in the third quarter.
It was a chance to put a dagger in Utah State, and one the Spartans failed to capitalize on.
As the clock ticked under three minutes remaining in the game, No. 11 Michigan State trailed by a point but had the ball.
It was a chance to avoid a devastating upset loss to open the season and, this time, the Spartans didn't squander the opportunity.
A late touchdown, an even later interception and Michigan State survived for a 38-31 win on Friday night in at Spartan Stadium.