Michigan State Football: Top 30 games in school history

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

Which are the best Michigan State football games in school history?

Do you remember your first Michigan State football game? Sure, you might have considered that your favorite game of all-time, unless the Spartans lost, of course. Michigan State football has brought joy to fans over the years and there have been plenty memorable games which deserve a mention on this list and the staff at Spartan Avenue tried to get together and narrow it down to 30.

Since the 1950s, even earlier, fans have been hitting the road in large numbers to witness the Spartans play in bowl games, big games and even just the normal Big Ten contests — Michigan State joined the Big Ten in 1953 despite a certain in-state foe not wanting the Spartans in.

After years of poor play in parts of the 1990s, the early 2000s and up until 2007, the Spartans have once again put together a national power and Michigan State is considered one of those consistently elite teams each season. Five 11-win seasons in six years is a tremendous mark and you can believe there are plenty of games from that time frame on this list.

We may have missed some of the older games which haven’t gotten more recognition, but researching games even before the 1950s, we came up with the list in which we thought fit best.

Which games made our top 30? Hint: there are a few games from this very season which were too good to pass up and the Mark Dantonio Era accounted for a nice chunk of the list.

Disagree with any of the games selected or think some were overlooked and should be added? Let us know in the comment section below.

Next: 30. MSU vs. Wisconsin (2004)