The Spartans put on a goal-line stand on the first drive of the third quarter.
The Hoosiers converted consecutive first downs, after being faced with a third-and-3. Richard Lagow completed passes of 11 yards (to Ricky Jones) and 22 yards (to Nick Westbrook), giving the Hoosiers first-and-10 at the MSU 27-yard line. On the next play, Lagow heaved the ball to the MSU end zone, and Darian Hicks broke up the pass — but went down in the end zone and was helped off the field. Two plays later, Lagow connected with Mitchell Paige for a gain of 19, giving the Hoosiers a first-and-goal at the MSU 6.