Through one quarter of play, neither the Michigan State Spartans nor the Michigan Wolverines have managed to put points on the board. Michigan State took the opening kickoff, but were quickly forced into a three-and-out. Their second drive also stalled out, and they didn't manage a first down until their third possession. Andrew Maxwell finally found Tony Lippett for a couple of passes that set them up with said first down.
That was their only first down of the day though, and Mike Sadler was forced to punt near the 50-yard line, but not quite in Michigan territory.
The Wolverines had a three-and-out to start their drive, and managed to go eight plays and 39 yards in their second drive, but were forced to punt just as they got into Michigan State territory. Denard Robinson has been contained thus far, gaining just four yards on six carries, while passing for just 37 yards. If the Wolverines hope to win, they need to get Robinson going, while the focus will the Spartans will remain on stopping the prolific quarterback.