The 2015 Championship Game was the fifth in the Big Ten's 120-year history, and the second to feature the conference's East and West division alignment.

The Spartans survived a dramatic regular season to capture the Big Ten East division title.

They opened conference play with a hard-nosed 10–6 victory over the Wisconsin Badgers in Madison, and overwhelmed the Northwestern Wildcats 40–10 in Evanston two weeks later.

Iowa turned the ball over twice in the first half – a fumble leading to the Spartans first points and an interception in the end zone – but led 6–3.

Michigan State dominated the third quarter in time of possession and yardage, and two field goals from Michael Geiger to lead 9–6.

Trailing entering the 4th quarter for the first time all season, the Hawkeyes responded in a big way with an 85-yard touchdown pass from C. J. Beathard to Tevaun Smith that gave Iowa a 13–9 lead with 14:49 remaining.

As a result, Michigan State received a bid to the national semifinal against second-seeded Alabama in the Cotton Bowl Classic.