Michigan State Football: Top 30 games in school history
27. MSU vs. Michigan (2013)
The Michigan rivalry is personal with head coach Mark Dantonio. Just six years after Mike Hart’s infamous “little brother” comments, Dantonio had been the winner in the rivalry four out of five years, looking to make it five out of six with a win over a depleted Michigan team in 2013.
This quote by Mark Dantonio perfectly summarizes the mood leading up to kickoff:
"“Don’t worry about all the things that are being said — just keep your mouth shut,” Dantonio said. “Get ready to play, start the game and finish stronger than when you started. We were going to let the lion out of the cage at 3:30, and that’s what happened.”"
Not only did the Spartans let the lion out of the cage, but they let it maul every single Wolverine that got in its way.
Devin Gardner was supposed to be the saving grace at quarterback, but he could even gather himself with enough time to throw the ball cleanly. Every single time he got the snap in the shotgun, there were four Spartans in his face. He was eating more dirt all day than anyone else.
Michigan State finished the game with seven sacks and absolutely dismantled the 6-1 Wolverines, 29-6.
The Spartans had to be proud of holding Michigan to -48 (yes, negative 48) rushing yards.
Next: 26. MSU vs. Kalamazoo College (1928)