The No. 5 Michigan State Spartans went nearly the entire game without a touchdown, but got one when it mattered to win the Big 10 Championship in Indianapolis, Ind. A 22-play, 82-yard drive helped Michigan State overcome a 13-9 deficit to the No. 4 Iowa Hawkeyes and win the title, 16-13.
Iowa took the lead on the first play of the fourth quarter when QB CJ Beathard connected with Tevaun Smith for an 85-yard touchdown. It appeared that might be enough, but the Spartans displayed the mental toughness needed to pull it out.
The Spartans took possession on their own 18 with 9:31 remaining. Over the next, 9 minutes and four seconds, Michigan State converted six third downs and one fourth down before finally scoring the game winner when LJ Scott stretched the ball over the goal line with 27 seconds remaining.
Beathard passed for 216 yards and a touchdown for Iowa. Smith had 110 yards receiving. The Michigan State defense held the Hawkeyes to 52 yards rushing.
Scott led a balanced Spartan rushing attack with 73 yards on 22 carries. Michigan State rushed for 174 yards.
The Spartans won the conference title game for the second time in three years. Iowa was making their first appearance.
Michigan State improved to 12-1 on the season and is all-but certain to be part of the College Football Playoffs, which will be announced on Sunday. Iowa’s dream of a perfect season and a spot in the playoff vanished with the last-second loss. They will learn their bowl destination on Sunday as well.
