Iowa didn't take long in the second quarter to get back into the game, scoring on the very first play from scrimmage. James Vandenberg found his sophomore tight end C.J. Fiedorowicz on third-and-two open around the five yard line, and Fiedorowics took care of the rest.
The Spartans nearly coughed up the ball on the first play of their next possession in their own territory, but Cousins was able to fall on it to prevent the turnover. Spartans had to punt two plays later, though.
With momentum clearly starting to sway in Iowa's favor, the Spartans forced a three-and-out and put the pressure back on Iowa by driving it down inside the Hawkeyes' five yard line. The big play that got the Spartans there was a 67 yard pass to Keshawn Martin, who made a spectacular grab and run after the catch. Two broken plays and an incomplete pass later, though, the Spartans were forced to kick it for three -- Dan Conroy's 23 yard field goal made it 17-7 Spartans with 7:37 left in the half.
The Spartans scored twice again in less than a minute on a La'Veon Bell 25 yard touchdown run and a 22 yard touchdown reception by B.J. Cunningham. The Spartans got the ball back after Bell's touchdown when a review indicated Iowa fumbled the ensuing kickoff return and it was recovered by MSU.
The Hawkeyes took advantage of a personal foul penalty by the Spartans at the end of the half to set up a 50 yard field goal try, but it was blocked by the Spartans.
Kirk Cousins is 13-for-20 for 178 yards and three touchdowns (no interceptions) through one half of football. Le'Veon Bell had 71 yards and a touchdown on 11 first half rushes. B.J. Cunningham had two touchdown receptions.
For further reading, news, discussion and more, visit Michigan State blog The Only Colors and Iowa blog Black Heart Gold Pants. Here’s the complete Week 10 college football TV schedule, and stay tuned to SB Nation’s college football news hub for more.