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Michigan State caps impressive 1st quarter vs. Michigan with short TD run

Paul Harvey

By Paul Harvey

Published:

Michigan State and Michigan are off and running in the annual in-state rivalry series. A traditional grudge match, it was Jonathan Smith’s Spartans who opened with an impressive first quarter in Ann Arbor.

While Michigan came up with a goal-line stand on the first drive of the game, Michigan State came right back down the field after forcing a 3-and-out. The Spartans leaned on Nate Carter, including to convert on a 3rd-and-9 on the ground.

So far, it is the MSU offensive line controlling things up front, and they opened a lane for a big 34-yard gain for Carter. The star running back would eventually cap the drive with the game’s first touchdown.

At the end of the first quarter, Carter is already up to 58 yards and Michigan State has dominated the flow of the game. The Spartans held the ball for 13:21 of the first 15 minutes and outgained the Wolverines 135 yards to 15 in the opening quarter.

We’ll see how things shake out moving forward, but Michigan is still looking for the offense to wake up under QB Davis Warren. If the Wolverines cannot get things rolling, it could be a long night for Sherrone Moore and company.

Paul Harvey

Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.