Michigan State Football: Top 7 plays of the season so far
Oct 17, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive back Jalen Watts-Jackson (20) dives into the end zone for a game winning touchdown as the clock runs out in the fourth quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Michigan State 27-23. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Michigan State football has had an interesting start to the 2015 season, to say the least. Many experts and opposing fans have called the Spartans ‘overrated’ and have claimed they have ‘skimmed along by the skin of their teeth’ but a 7-0 record through the first month and a half of play isn’t just handed to a team — although Blake O’Neill tried that.
No, Michigan State is not a pushover and the Michigan Wolverines quickly found that out in week seven as the Spartans took it to them only to win in the final seconds on the most unbelievable play of the year.
The Spartans have flirted with danger thus far in the 2015 season, and that will need to cease moving forward as the schedule from this point on is no joke. No more playing down to competition as that will get this team in trouble — as evidenced by the No. 7 ranking despite winning every game and dropping five spots.
Although the rankings don’t matter until the end of the season, Michigan State controls its own destiny and winning out would put the Spartans in the College Football Playoff.
With five games left until the end of the regular season, let’s take a look at the top plays of the season for Michigan State so far.
7. RJ Williamson’s defensive TD
This one seemed like so long ago, but RJ Williamson has a knack for making big plays and being in the right place at the right time. The senior safety scooped up an Air Force fumble and returned it 67 yards to the house, weaving in between defenders and halting a potential scoring drive by the Falcons.
Unfortunately, Williamson has been ruled out at least through week 12 and possibly even the bowl game for Michigan State after injuring his bicep.
The Spartans will have to wait until he comes back to make a huge play like this on defense since it seems like it’s been forever since Michigan State last had a big interception or fumble — turnovers are hard to come by these days with a struggling secondary.
Next: 6. LJ Scott TD vs. Purdue