Michigan State Football: Ranking the top 3 plays from epic Peach Bowl win

Dec 30, 2021; Atlanta, GA, USA; Michigan State Spartans wide receiver Jayden Reed (1) and quarterback Payton Thorne (10) celebrate after a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Panthers in the second half during the 2021 Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

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Michigan State linebacker Cal Haladay scores a touchdown after intercepting the ball from Pittsburgh quarterback Davis Beville during the second half of the 31-21 win over Pittsburgh in the Peach Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021. /

2. Cal Haladay’s pick-six

Cal Haladay has been clutch for Michigan State all year.

On Thursday night, he had the biggest play of his career, picking off third-string quarterback Davis Beville who entered the game for Nick Patti after his first-quarter injury and took it to the house.

RIC NO FLAIR https://t.co/KIynFjfbYY
— Barstool Spartans (@BarstoolMSU) December 31, 2021

What makes this interception even more impressive is the fact that Pitt was driving with a chance to tie or take the lead and Haladay said “nope, I’ll take that” and he did.

Beville didn’t see Haladay in the middle of the field and he tried to make a short dump pass but the freshman linebacker slid over, picked him off, and returned it 78 yards to the house to officially secure a win for Michigan State.

It was all tension for those watching the game before this pick and you could almost hear a collective sigh of relief from the fanbase. Haladay saved the day with this pick and really helped MSU avoid last-second heartbreak that felt almost inevitable.

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