After one quarter of an important showdown between two Big Ten Leaders Division opponents, Michigan State leads Iowa, 7-0.
The scoring started just minutes into the first quarter, after Michigan State's Denicos Allen intercepted a pass from Iowa quarterback James Vandenberg. With rainy weather holding back the Spartans' passing attack, Michigan State elected to go to the ground four straight times with running back Le'Veon Bell, and on the fourth play, Bell carried the ball in for a 14-yard touchdown strike.
Bell's touchdown remains the only score of the game, with both offenses slowed by poor weather conditions. Following Bell's touchdown run, the two teams combined for four straight three-and-outs, before an Andrew Maxwell pass moved the chains for a first down right before the end of the quarter. Outside the scoring drive, the two teams have combined for just 56 yards of total offense.
Regardless, this is a crucial game for both teams in the race for the Leaders Division lead. Entering Saturday, Iowa was tied at the top of the standings with Michigan at 1-0 in conference play, with Michigan State a game back at 1-1.
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