After the Michigan defense allowed a couple of big Michigan State touchdown runs, the Spartans kicked a field goal right before half to take a touchdown-sized lead, 17-10.

Michigan scored first with a field goal by redshirt freshman Seth Broekhuizen, but Michigan State came back and scored on a long run by sophomore Edwin Baker.

Sophomore quarterback Denard Robinson looked human in the first half, with 42 yards on the ground and 92 through the air. He threw an interception in the red zone on Michigan's opening drive but later threw a touchdown to senior tight end Martell Webb for the Wolverines' only touchdown of the game.

Michigan picked up a long pass play at the end of the half on a pass to junior Martavious Odoms but the ensuing field goal was blocked.