Michigan State Football: Top 30 games in school history

Jan 1, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Michigan State Spartans safety RJ Williamson (26) returns a block field goal attempt as Baylor Bears place kicker Chris Callahan (40) is blocked in the fourth quarter in the 2015 Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium. Michigan State beat Baylor 42-41. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

14. MSU vs. Baylor (2015)

Baylor was the biggest snub from the final College Football Playoff rankings, so everyone said. The Bears did come into the game angrier than ever, taking it out on the Spartans’ defense early and didn’t let up.

The Bears took a 41-21 lead into the fourth quarter, but it was far from safe. Michigan State chipped away at that monster deficit with a Josiah Price touchdown catch, a Jeremy Langford touchdown run and, lastly, a blocked field goal attempt that would have sealed the deal which set up a 10-yard touchdown pass from Connor Cook to Keith Mumphery as 17 seconds remained on the clock.

Setting up for that field goal, Baylor was about to take a 44-35 lead and spoil the Spartans’ attempt at a comeback, but it was blocked. Not only was it swatted by Michigan State, but the poor kicker tried to tackle RJ Williamson, who scooped up the loose ball, and was promptly laid to rest by senior wide out Tony Lippett who had a de-cleating block.

You can bet that kicker will never try to chase a ball-carrier again.

With the ball back and just over a minute left inside Baylor territory, Cook drove down the field, converting a couple third and fourth-down throws, leading MSU back from the dead to win, 42-41, in the best bowl game of the year.

Next: 13. MSU vs. Florida (2000)