Michigan State managed to get things closer against No. 25 Wisconsin, but they trail, 7-3, heading into halftime, either way.
On the team's first possession of the second quarter, immediately following a Wisconsin touchdown, Andrew Maxwell guided the Spartans on a drive that lasted 11 plays and went for 55 yards, but ultimately ended in a Dan Conroy field goal from 34 yards out.
On the next possession, Michigan State had a great chance to take the lead. Their defense forced a 3-and-out, and Marcus Rush blocked the ensuing Wisconsin punt. It was recovered at the Wisconsin 11-yard line, but the Spartans failed to get anything done. On first down, they had a 10-yard holding penalty followed by an incompletion. They were then called on a 5-yard false start, and quarterback Andrew Maxwell was sacked by Beau Allen and David Gilbert for a loss of 8 yards.
An incomplete pass and a delay of game later, and the Spartans were forced to punt. Wisconsin drove into MSU territory on the next drive, but ultimately was forced to punt. Michigan State took over and the clock was killed, sending the game to halftime.