Michigan State vs. Wisconsin recap: Wild finishes have become a staple of this underrated rivalry

Michigan State picked up an overtime win on the road against Wisconsin in the third straight game between these teams that went down to the wire.

Michigan State vs. Wisconsin 2012 results: Spartans rally in overtime to win

The Michigan State Spartans bested No. 25 Wisconsin, 16-13, in overtime.

Michigan State vs. Wisconsin score: Badgers still hold 7-3 lead heading into 4th quarter

The Michigan State Spartans haven't been able to get much done against the Wisconsin Badgers on Saturday. Through three quarters of play, they've kept it plenty close, though, with Wisconsin holding a 7-3 lead. Both teams scored in the second quarter, and haven't put points up in the third.

Wisconsin continues to push out the longer drives, as they are the team consistently near midfield, but neither team really threatened to score in the third. Michigan State had a drive begin from its own 45-yard line, but a 3-and-out wiped away the excellent field position.

The scoring thus far has come from a Joel Stave touchdown to Jacob Pedersen for 31 yards, and a 34-yard field goal from Dan Conroy. Stave went down with an injury in the third and was replaced by backup Danny O'Brien. Stave remained out heading into the third quarter. He was 9-for-11 for 127 yards and a touchdown before exiting the game.

Joel Stave injury: Wisconsin QB leaves game after hard hit.

Wisconsin quarterback Joel Stave left the game after being sacked by William Gholston

Michigan State vs. Wisconsin score: Spartans trail, 7-3, at halftime

Michigan State managed to get things closer against No. 25 Wisconsin, but they trail, 7-3, heading into halftime, either way.

On the team's first possession of the second quarter, immediately following a Wisconsin touchdown, Andrew Maxwell guided the Spartans on a drive that lasted 11 plays and went for 55 yards, but ultimately ended in a Dan Conroy field goal from 34 yards out.

On the next possession, Michigan State had a great chance to take the lead. Their defense forced a 3-and-out, and Marcus Rush blocked the ensuing Wisconsin punt. It was recovered at the Wisconsin 11-yard line, but the Spartans failed to get anything done. On first down, they had a 10-yard holding penalty followed by an incompletion. They were then called on a 5-yard false start, and quarterback Andrew Maxwell was sacked by Beau Allen and David Gilbert for a loss of 8 yards.

An incomplete pass and a delay of game later, and the Spartans were forced to punt. Wisconsin drove into MSU territory on the next drive, but ultimately was forced to punt. Michigan State took over and the clock was killed, sending the game to halftime.

Michigan State vs. Wisconsin score: Badgers lead Spartans, 7-0, in 2nd quarter

Through one quarter of play, No. 25 Wisconsin is leading the Michigan State Spartans, 7-0. Wisconsin was forced to punt on their opening drive after a three-and-out, while Michigan State managed to take their second drive (after a three-and-out of their own) 13 plays, but only 43 yards, ending in a punt from the Wisconsin 43.

The Badgers put together their scoring drive after starting on their own 10-yard line. Joel Stave hit Jacob Pedersen for a 24-yard reception and a good mix of rushing and passing, including a 12-yard reception from Kenzel Doe, put Wisconsin into Michigan State territory. To put up the points, Stave his Pedersen again on a 2nd and 10 for a 31-yard touchdown. That gave Wisconsin the 7-0 lead following the Kyle French extra point.

Both teams exchanged opening possession three-and-outs, and it seems equal parts strong defense and lacking offense on both accounts. Still, Wisconsin has managed to get some decent passes, and that's been the difference-maker thus far.

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