Michigan State Football: Top 5 moments vs. Notre Dame in Mark Dantonio era

2. Phantom pass interference calls (2013)

OK, I had to include this on this list because it is technically a memorable moment from the rivalry during the Dantonio era. No, it’s not a good memory, but it deserves recognition because it should be put on notice as one of the worst refereed games in recent memory.

Just how bad was it? Well, the loss gave Michigan State its first in the 2013 season which turned out to be the Spartans’ only defeat. This loss, fueled by multiple phantom pass interference calls, was the reason Michigan State played for a Rose Bowl instead of a national title.

There are some people, including myself, who believe that the Spartans would have put up a strong fight against Florida State. The Spartan defense was the best in the country that year and it ended up leading Dantonio to his first, and only thus far, Rose Bowl.

To this day, watching the phantom pass interference calls on Darqueze Dennard and Trae Waynes still hurts. Look at the film and realize that it’s called “good defense.” Michigan State was robbed of a win here and potentially a national title appearance. Yes, MSU fans are openly salty — and for good reason.