Michigan State Football: Mark Dantonio’s 15 most memorable games
![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 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](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/25be1e20cd48e007fceda8a6c9bd6ff1b9af13bef839f76dd2d99ee165b1387f.jpg)
12. MSU vs. TCU (2012)
The eventual result of that Wisconsin overtime victory in 2012 was the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl — a mid-level December bowl game. There wasn’t much excitement surrounding the game beforehand since it wasn’t like the Spartans were playing for a Rose Bowl, but facing perennial power TCU was solid litmus test.
Neither team had the type of season they were used to. The Horned Frogs came into the game 7-5 while the Spartans were just 6-6. They both finished the season 7-6 after a big Michigan State win.
It is tough for players to get pumped up for bowl games like these. Not much is riding on it other than a winning season and another postseason win on the resume but no one starts the season by saying, “Our goal is to be Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl champs.” The Spartans still made the most of their appearance in the game.
In what ultimately became Le’Veon Bell’s last game in the green and white and the beginning of Connor Cook’s reign at quarterback, the Spartans won a gritty 17-16 contest thanks to a last-minute field goal of 47 yards by Dan Conroy.
This became Mark Dantonio’s second-straight bowl win and the start of a dominant period of Michigan State Football.
Next: 11. Michigan (2013)