Spartan Avenue
Fansided

5 memorable times Michigan State football captured the Paul Bunyan Trophy since 2000

By Jacob Babbitt

EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 30: AJ Arcuri #76 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates with the Paul Bunyan trophy with Sparty the Michigan State Spartans mascot after defeating Michigan Wolverines 37-33 at Spartan Stadium on October 30, 2021 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 30: AJ Arcuri #76 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates with the Paul Bunyan trophy with Sparty the Michigan State Spartans mascot after defeating Michigan Wolverines 37-33 at Spartan Stadium on October 30, 2021 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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Oct 17, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive back Jalen Watts-Jackson (20) dives into the end zone for a game winning touchdown as the clock runs out in the fourth quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Michigan State 27-23. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive back Jalen Watts-Jackson (20) dives into the end zone for a game winning touchdown as the clock runs out in the fourth quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Michigan State 27-23. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

2015: “Whoa, he has trouble with the snap!”

Obviously we couldn’t leave this one off the list. This still ranks as one of the craziest endings not only in the Michigan-Michigan State rivalry, but in college football in general. What makes it even better is it took place under the lights in the Big House in front of a sold out Michigan crowd.

The Wolverines simply needed to punt the ball away after running the clock down to 10 seconds left. The low snap to the punter was fumbled and chaos ensued. Jalen Watts-Jackson etched his name in Spartan lore, taking the fumbled snap to the house for the win. He was mobbed by his teammates in the end zone and Michigan State’s undefeated season remained.

It’s a game that will live on in college football (and meme) history.

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