The Spartans started the second quarter with a one-yard touchdown run from Le'Veon Bell, making it a tie at 14-14. The two team's exchange punts though, with neither being able to produce much offense. Michigan State had a drive that lasted eight plays, but somehow only took them 28 yards, and that ended in a Mike Sadler punt. The Golden Gophers took the ball at 9:29 in the second quarter at their own 7-yard line and began driving.
There was a 21-yard completion from Marqueis Gray to Da'Jon McKnight, and that came with much smaller gains. Nine yards to Collin McGarry, three yards to John Rabe ... and then another 21-yard completion, this one to Devin Crawford-Tufts. Duane Bennett added in seven yards, and then McKnight caught another 12-yard pass. They're in MIchigan State territory at this point and looking for the kill. They burn their timeouts but end up with a 4th-and-4 at the ten yard line. Jordan Wettstein drills the 27-yard field goal to cap off the 15-play, 83-yard drive. The Golden Gophers take a 17-14 lead with 1:03 left in the half.
But the Spartans, once again, start driving. Kirk Cousins dishes to Bell for 11 yards, and then hits B.J. Cunningham for consecutive passes of 21 yards and 14 yards to the Minnesota 22-yard line, where MIchigan St. burns a timeout. After a 12-yard pass, Michigan State is at the 10-yard line, and then Minnesota is called for pass interference for 8 yards, setting the Spartans up with a 1st and goal at the two yard line.
Kirk Cousins hits Todd Anderson for a two-yard touchdown and Dan Conroy kicks an extra point, giving Michigan St. a 21-17 lead with four seconds left in the half. The clock is killed by Minnesota.