Michigan State's comeback win

Michigan State entered last week's game at Northwestern with its best start in 44 years. But late in the second quarter, with the Spartans down 17-0, their hopes of winning the Big Ten for the first time since 1990 began to fade.

With three punts, a fumble and a missed field goal to start the game, Michigan State finally pieced together a respectable eight-play, 60-yard touchdown drive, three minutes before halftime.

It appeared to give the Spartans a bit of confidence on both sides of the ball.

Prior to that touchdown, Northwestern had scored 17 points on the first five possessions, including two 70-plus yard touchdown drives.

But the tables started to turn. Michigan State's defense tightened up, forcing four punts, a turnover on downs, an interception, and allowing just 10 points on the final eight Northwestern possessions of the game.

Out of halftime, Michigan State's offense began to really click. A mediocre punt in the third quarter handed the Spartans the ball near midfield. Quarterback Kirk Cousins threw a 27-yard pass, and wide receiver Bennie Fowler scampered 22 yards for a score.

Later, Michigan State ate serious clock with an 11-play, 75-yard drive that took nearly five minutes. Cousins threw for gains of 12, 11, 16 and 13 yards (a touchdown), but the Spartans showed their confidence when senior punter Aaron Bates perfectly executed a fake punt, throwing for a 23-yard gain on 4th and 11.

A fourth quarter drive took the final wind out of Northwestern's sales. The run game was out of the question, with Cousins playing so well. He ripped off gains of 18, 18, 18, 14, 13 and nine yards (touchdown) as the Spartans converted two critical third-down conversions and took the lead with just 2:10 left in the game.

And a 19-second drive with a minute left in the game was the final nail in the coffin. Michigan State escapes, 35-27. Ballgame, folks.