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Michigan State Football: Top 10 games of the Mark Dantonio Era

By Connor Muldowney

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Jan 1, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; Michigan State Spartans receiver Tony Lippett (14) is defended by Stanford Cardinal cornerback Wayne Lyons (2) on a 25-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter in the 100th Rose Bowl. Michigan State defeated Stanford 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

1. Stanford (2014 Rose Bowl)

You guessed it, the 2014 Rose Bowl happened to be the best game of the Mark Dantonio Era, but it was close. Michigan State has played in so many instant classics that this just happened to be the most meaningful of the bunch.

Must Read: Michigan State Football: Top 10 quarterbacks in school history

For the first time in over two decades, the Spartans earned the right to play in the Rose Bowl and Stanford happened to be standing in the way from an amazing 13-1 Michigan State season — the first in school history.

With Michigan State down 17-7 as just over two minutes remained in the first half, Connor Cook knew he had to lead his Spartans into the locker room with some momentum. What could have been more ideal than a seven-play, 75-yard drive in just 1:39 to head into the locker room down 17-14 and due to get the ball back at the start of the second half? Probably nothing.

Michael Geiger quickly tied it up 17 just three minutes into the third quarter and the game remain tied until the beginning of the fourth quarter when Cook hit Tony Lippett for the go-ahead score.

That touchdown proved to be all the Spartans needed as Stanford could only manage a field goal in the second half, falling to Michigan State 24-20.

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As I said earlier, though, there has to be a signature moment in a big win like this. Kyle Elsworth and Darien Harris jumping over the line to tackle the Stanford fullback on a 4th-&-1 with just 1:43 left in the game to seal the deal was it.

That play alone could make any Spartan fan blush and the win in the Rose Bowl has to be Dantonio’s best since he took over in 2007.

Honorable Mention

  • vs. Michigan (2013): The -48 game.
  • vs. Wisconsin (2008): Game-winning field goal with seven seconds left to win, 25-24.
  • at Wisconsin (2012): Game-winning TD pass to win in OT, 16-13.
  • vs. TCU (2012 Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl): Game-winning Aaron Burbridge TD from soon-to-be starter Connor Cook. MSU wins 17-16.
  • vs. Oregon (2015): Spartans win 31-28 in a classic.

Did we miss any? Let us know in the comment section below.

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