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

Nov 21, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Michigan State Spartans place kicker Michael Geiger (4) celebrates after making the game-winning field goal on the final play of the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium. The Spartans won 17-14. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

8. Ohio State (2015)

When looked at this list on the whole, there are so many ‘top 10 games’ from the 2015 season. That’s not because I have seemingly forgotten about past years and the quality games MSU has played, but that just goes to show just how special the 2015 season really has been for the Spartans.

Just three weeks ago, Michigan State headed down to Columbus, Ohio, to take on the vaunted No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes. Experts were giving the Spartans absolutely no chance to beat the defending national champs on the road — and that was even if Connor Cook was healthy enough to play.

Heck, most Michigan State fans were even unsure about whether the Spartans could pull off the victory with an inconsistent defense and a sore Cook.

The team broke the huddle on the sidelines and headed out onto the field for the first drive and everyone was anxiously awaiting the appearance of Connor Cook. However, it happened to be Tyler O’Connor breaking the huddle and leading his offense onto the field. All hope was lost.

Or so the nation thought.

In one of the gutsiest performances in Michigan State history, backup quarterbacks Tyler O’Connor and Damion Terry led the Spartans to a big win over the Buckeyes and it couldn’t have been completed without the stout defense which held Heisman hopeful running back Ezekiel Elliott to just 33 yards rushing and junior kicker Michael Geiger.

Geiger has had an up-and-down season, but stepped up and delivered with a clutch 41-yard field goal with no time left, celebrating with a windmill all the way down to the other side of the field before he could even watch it go through the uprights.

Right then and there, the nation knew Michigan State was a team of destiny.

Next: 7. Ohio State in Big Ten title (2013)