Offense was the story in the first quarter between Michigan State and Michigan, with both teams scoring early touchdowns. The Spartans may be beginning to assert themselves defensively, however.
Michigan got on the board first, scoring on a 15-yard scramble by Denard Robinson. Initially, it looked as if the Michigan State pass rush was about to sack him, but Robinson eluded the pressure and ran to the left side. Plenty of blockers were in front of him and he ran just inside the pylon for a touchdown.
The drive was extended by a fake field goal from Michigan on 4th-and-3 from the MSU 22. Drew Dileo got just enough on a 3-yard run, with the measurement giving the Wolverines the first down by the nose of the football.
The Spartans eventually answered on a strong drive, with the offensive line blowing open huge holes for Edwin Baker to run through. Baker carried five times for 49 yards on the drive, scoring on a one-yard touchdown run.
Kirk Cousins has been victimized by a few costly drops. He hit B.J. Cunningham streaking past Troy Woolfolk down the right sideline, but Cunningham dropped the ball steps from the end zone. Keshawn Martin also dropped a sure first down catch on the Spartans’ next drive after their touchdown. For the game, Cousins is 3-of-6 passing for 16 yards.