The #5 Michigan State Spartans were forced to settle for field goals for most of their Big Ten Championship battle with the #4 Iowa Hawkeyes. However, they finally broke the end zone plane with 33 seconds left, capping off a late nine-minute clock-killing drive with a one-yard LJ Scott TD run to pull off a 16-13 stunner in Indianapolis.
Scott's TD was one for the end-of-year highlight reel, as he broke through contact and got into the end zone on a second effort. With the win, MSU (12-1) clinches a College Football Playoff berth and is just two wins away from its first national title since 1966.
The Hawkeyes (12-1) defense bent but didn't break for the majority of the night, but all they'll likely remember is the 22-play, 82-yard drive which broke their hearts and ended their undefeated season. Iowa did go ahead 13-9 in the fourth on a CJ Beathard 85-yard touchdown pass to Tevaun Smith. It was the first time Beathard really let his arm loose downfield, and it looked like it would be the difference in a classic Big Ten trench battle.
However, senior MSU QB Connor Cook was undeterred. After a punt on their ensuing possession after the Iowa TD, Cook beared down and captained an extraordinary game-winning drive which will be a part of Spartans lore for decades to come.
Michigan State's historic victory has all but sealed the College Football Playoff final four. The Spartans will join Clemson, Alabama and Oklahoma in college football's version of the Big Dance. Iowa, on the other hand, will receive a consolation prize in the form of a New Year's Six bowl bid.
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