Michigan State Football: Looking back at 3 keys that won 2021 Peach Bowl

Dec 30, 2021; Atlanta, GA, USA; Michigan State Spartans wide receiver Jayden Reed (1) catches a touchdown pass over Pittsburgh Panthers defensive back M.J. Devonshire (12) 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. /

3. MSU stepped up defensively

Michigan State’s defense showcased plenty of toughness in their season finale. They surrendered a couple of touchdowns but none after halftime (Pitt’s third and final score came on a fumble recovery).

They knocked Pittsburgh’s quarterback out of the game, tallied five sacks, 10 tackles for loss, and didn’t allow the Biletnikoff Award winner (Jordan Addison) to find the endzone.

With less than a minute to play and Pitt driving, Cal Haladay faked a blitz and fell back to jump a slant route and deliver a clutch pick six to bury the Panthers. The interception return for a touchdown capped-off a stellar 11-tackle performance. The Freshman All-American has been a pleasant surprise this season (falling just four tackles short of 100). He has been the catalyst for a defense that did just enough to help Michigan State accumulate 11 wins.

Thanks to Haladay and Co., no Pitt ball carrier amassed more than 43 yards rushing. This unit was far from perfect in their bowl game but they got the job done and made stops when they had to.

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