Michigan State Football: Top 10 plays of the regular season

Oct 17, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive back Jalen Watts-Jackson (20) is mobbed by teammates after scoring a touchdown as the clock expires in the fourth quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Michigan State 27-23. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

1. “And he scores”

This is the easy pick for No. 1. I know, it’s not surprising, but can you argue for any other moment topping this one in 2015? Heck, this might be the greatest, most exciting play in college football history. Move over Stanford vs. Cal “the band is out on the field” moment, this one definitely takes the cake because it was so unpredictable.

After a hard-fought matchup against a much-improved Michigan team led by Jim Harbaugh, Michigan State looked to be headed back to East Lansing with its first ‘L’ of the year.

Michigan State’s sideline was in disbelief. Connor Cook looked dejected and Mark Dantonio seemed to be at a loss for words for his players. However, that wasn’t the case as he reiterated in the huddle before the Wolverines’ final punt play with a few ticks remaining. He reminded his players that there were still 10 seconds left.

And history was made.

The Spartans were rushing all 11 guys, but for some reason, Michigan had two gunners, leaving two Spartans unblocked and rushing toward Wolverines punter Blake O’Neill.

A clean snap and kick would end the game, but the ball hit the turf and so did Michigan’s hopes of beating their in-state rival for the first time since 2012.

Related Story: https://spartanavenue.com/2015/12/14/michigan-state-football-all-time-spartan-team/

O’Neill bent down to pick it up, tried to still get the punt off and was hit from behind, knocking the ball into (eventual legend) Jalen Watts-Jackson’s arms. He took off running toward the end zone with no time left, and he never looked back.

Michigan State scored on the most ridiculous play in football history, beating Michigan, 27-23.