Michigan State Football: 10 most memorable plays of Mark Dantonio era
6. Blocked FG in OT against Georgia
A common theme of plays on this list is that most of them happen when the game looks grim for the Spartans and a win is nearly improbable. Such was the case in the 2012 Outback Bowl between Michigan State and Georgia.
Another game I had the pleasure of going to during my college days with my dad and I remember the exact moment in the first overtime when Kirk Cousins threw an interception and all the Bulldogs needed to do was kick a field goal to win, he wanted to leave. I told him no.
Michigan State fans know this best: it’s not over until the clock strikes zero. Well, there’s no clock in overtime, but you get the idea.
After Cousins threw the pick, it did seem inevitable that the Bulldogs would kick the field goal and break the hearts of MSU fans everywhere. Basically, Michigan State fans were just waiting to be let down.
However, a 42-yard miss in the first overtime after that Cousins’ pick gave the Spartans new life, and they ran with it. Both teams made a field goal in the second overtime as it was a 30-30 tie going into overtime period No. 3.
This also resulted in a Michigan State field goal and the Spartans had to hope Aaron Murray wouldn’t find the end zone and walk away with the Outback Bowl crown. He couldn’t do that, so the Bulldogs lined up for the game-tying field goal, and this happened:
Note: The play happens around the 1:20 mark.
It took a big comeback and a block by Anthony Rashad White in triple overtime to get the win, but no one, especially Dantonio, will ever forget this one.
Also, this taught my dad to never leave games early — or at least I hope he learned his lesson.
Next: 5. Blocked FG against Baylor