Iowa running back Tavian Banks opened the scoring 91 seconds into the second quarter with a 53-yard touchdown run. Michigan responded by tying the game on a 15-yard touchdown pass from Griese to Streets with 4:53 remaining in the half. On Michigan's next drive, Iowa cornerback Ed Gibson intercepted Griese and returned the ball 64 yards to the Michigan 1-yard line. From there, Michael Burger put Iowa ahead with a touchdown run with 2:27 remaining. On the final play of the first half, Iowa's All-American Tim "White Lightning" Dwight returned a punt 61 yards for a touchdown, giving Iowa a 14-point lead at halftime.