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

1. Little Giants (2010)

How can anyone forget this? Mark Dantonio became known for “having guts” as the announcers would say as he called arguably the best special teams play of his tenure. Dantonio is known for having tricks up his sleeve and this is the one he truly gained national recognition for.

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After Notre Dame sent the game into overtime, the Fighting Irish got the ball first and the Spartans held them to a field goal. After not gaining any yardage on the three plays from scrimmage, the Spartans lined up for a long field goal with Dan Conroy ready to showcase his leg.

As the ball was snapped, the crowd held its breath, but Aaron Bates stood up, rolled to his right and hit tight end Charlie Gantt for the game-wining touchdown. The crowd went absolutely crazy and it the Spartans would go on to have a pretty good season after gaining confidence from this win.

Unfortunately, Dantonio suffered a minor heart attack following the game and would be replaced by Don Treadwell for a short time after.

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This is undoubtedly the best moment from the Dantonio era concerning the Notre Dame and Michigan State rivalry. There’s a reason fans get excited for this game each time it comes around.