The Cats came onto the field and drove all the way down the field, converting some key third down plays. But C.J. Bacher threw an interception in the endzone - his second pick of the day.

Michigan State did not waste the mistake. The Spartans drove right back down the field and Brian Hoyer found fullback Andrew Hawken for a score. Michigan State leads 24-7 at the half.

NU looked like it might be going three and out after Tyrell Sutton was stuffed on first down. But C.J. Bacher rolls the pocket on third and two and picks up three to keep the drive alive.

The Cats faced another tough third down and again Bacher finds a way. His 16-yard throw to Eric Peterman brings NU to about midfield. Another third down, another Bacher play. The senior quarterback makes a nice juke move at the line and burst through for a first down.

Sutton does his best Bacher impersonation on the next play and runs for a first down, moving him into second place in school history for all-purpose yards.

The sped up offense is beginning to pay dividends for the Cats. The Michigan State linebackers are huffing and puffing as NU blows through them. Three third down conversions already on this drive.

Do not make it four though. Bacher throws for the endzone for Peterman and Johnny Adams picks it off. The good drive for the Cats ends, but at least they switched field position. Does not do much for the ten-point deficit.

Javon Ringer does not seem to mind waiting his turn on the bench. He gains 11 yards on the first play after the pick. The Spartans move the ball right back at the Cats. White makes a leaping catch at the 40-yard line on third down to keep the offense on the field.

Keshawn Martin catches a bubble screen on the right side and he beats Jordan Mabin to the corner. He has nothing but green in front of him and is tripped up by Brad Phillips at the 14-yard line for a gain of 42 yards.

On third and three, Brian Hoyer throws a seven-yard floater to fullback Andrew Hawken after a pump fake made Jordan Mabin bite underneath. The Cats went from endzone to endzone the wrong way and trail by 17 again.

24-17 Michigan State with 53 seconds left.

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