Michigan State Football: Mark Dantonio’s 15 most memorable games
10. Michigan vs. MSU (2009)
What Michigan vs. Michigan State game could possibly top the -48 rushing yards contest? How about a little overtime action?
Another one of those forgettable seasons for Mark Dantonio and the Spartans had to be 2009 when Michigan State had lost to Central Michigan at home, which led to another two losses to Notre Dame and Wisconsin.
Coming off its first victory over Michigan in the Dantonio era in 2008, the Spartans had a little confidence heading into this early-season matchup with the Wolverines. However, their 1-3 record wasn’t promising, especially since Michigan was 4-0 and ranked No. 22 in the country.
Michigan State raced out to a 13-6 halftime lead and extended it to 20-6 before the Wolverines marched back to tie it up and send it into overtime. All hope to win seemed to be lost since Tate Forcier and the Wolverines had all the momentum on their side.
What happened next was momentous for Dantonio’s Spartans.
Having been solid all afternoon long, Forcier threw his first interception of the game in the end zone during the first overtime. Chris L. Rucker’s clutch pick led to freshman running back Larry Caper’s 25-yard game-winning touchdown run.
Craziness in the stands ensued as Spartan Nation went nuts after its second straight win over the Wolverines.
Next: 9. Notre Dame (2010)