Michigan State Football: 5 best game in series history vs. Ohio State

COLUMBUS, OH - OCTOBER 1: Jordan Hall #7 of the Ohio State Buckeyes is tackled for a loss by Denicos Allen #28 of the Michigan State Spartans on October 1, 2011 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. Michigan State defeated Ohio State 10-7. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) /

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7 Nov 1998: Quarterback Bill Burke #16 of the Michigan State Spartans prepares to hand the ball off during a game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at the Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. The Spartans defeated the Buckeyes 28-24. Mandatory Credit: Rick Stewart /Allsport /

3. Michigan State upsets No. 1 Ohio State 28-24 (1998)

Michigan State took on No. 1 Ohio State in 1998. The Spartans were led by head coach Nick Saban and they had loads of talent on this team but they were unable to live up to it for much of the season.

This team lost to Colorado State in the non conference schedule and needed double overtime to beat an Indiana team that would finish 4-7 that season. That Spartan squad had greats like Plaxico Burress, Dimitrius Underwood, Sedrick Irvin, Julian Peterson and Bill Burke. The Spartans would go on to be 6-6 that season.

A key turning point in the game was Julian Peterson’s hit on OSU quarterback Joe Germaine that led to a fumble. It would lead to a score for Michigan State. Then, late in the game, Renaldo Hill intercepted Germaine pass in the the end zone with 72 seconds left to seal the game.

Ohio State had been undefeated and was the preseason No. 1 team in the nation. This was a colossal upset and would propel MSU heading into the 1999 season and a 10-win campaign.

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