If it wasn't for big plays, IU would not be in this game.
However, IU trails Michigan State by only 7 at the half in East Lansing, 21-14. The Spartans will get the ball to start the second half.
On the fourth play from scrimmage, Tevin Coleman's 64-yard TD run put the Hoosiers ahead 7-0.
Then thanks to a muffed punt by an MSU returner, IU drove 41 yards down the field for another touchdown.
IU put in Roberson for the second touchdown drive, and he was effective. He was 3-3 for 35 yards and one touchdown pass.
MSU's three touchdown drives have lasted 6:53, 4:30 and 3:59. MSU has held the ball for 18:24, versus IU's 11:36 time of possession.
MSU's Connor Cook has been effective in the first half. He is 16-23 for 152 yards and two touchdowns.
The Spartans have outgained IU 233 to 176 yards in the first half.
Play by play of scoring:
It didn't take long for the Hoosiers to get on the board. 1:01 came off the board before Tevin Coleman ran through a huge hole in the middle of the field.
The 64-yard touchdown run put the Hoosiers up 7-0 on their first drive of the game.
Besides that 64-yard run, IU's offense in the first quarter was stagnant. They gained 45 yards in the stanza minus the Coleman run.
To start the second quarter, MSU was in the midst of a long drive that lasted the last part of the first quarter, as well.
On third down, IU blitzed. But Michigan State had the screen called, and Langford ran it in for the 11-yard touchdown reception to knot the score at seven apiece.
Michigan State struck again in the middle of the second quarter.
On third-and-eleven, IU stopped Michigan State but an offsides penalty kept the Spartan drive alive. On the very next play, Fowler recorded a 34-yard touchdown reception. Michigan State led 14-7.
After another IU drive stalled, the Hoosiers caught a break.
On the ensuing punt, the MSU returner muffed the punt and IU recovered. Sophomore quarterback Tre Roberson came in and provided an instant spark for the IU offense.
He drove IU down the field 41 yards in five plays. On third-and-goal, Cody Latimer wrestled the ball away from the MSU defender for the 4-yard TD reception. IU tied the score at 14 apiece.
