The Michigan State Spartans and Ohio State Buckeyes had big plays in the passing on consecutive possessions in the third quarter that resulted in touchdowns as Ohio State leads Michigan State 17-13 after three quarters Saturday.
Both teams scored on their first possessions of the second half. Dan Conroy kicked a 50-yard field goal for Michigan State to cut the halftime lead to 7-6, then Ohio State responded with a 26-yard field goal by Drew Basil to push the lead back to 10-6.
Michigan State's passing game got going midway through the third. After a good kick return by Nick Hill, quarterback Andrew Maxwell found Dion Sims for a 17-yard gain bolstered by a 15-yard penalty on Ohio State. On the next play, Maxwell threw a short pass to Keith Mumphery, who broke several tackles and took the pass for a 29-yard touchdown to give Michigan State a 13-10 lead.
On Ohio State's next possession, the Buckeyes re-took the lead when Braxton Miller connected with Devin Smith on a 63-yard touchdown.
Maxwell has passed for 237 yards through three quarters. Miller has thrown for 157 yards and rushed for 99 yards.