Ranking the top 5 Michigan State football vs. Notre Dame games

3. Michigan State 44 Notre Dame 41 - 2005

This is another game that took place in South Bend and turned into an offensive shootout, which we haven't seen too often in this rivalry.

The Spartans, under John L. Smith, controlled the game all day and held a 38-17 lead late in the third quarter. Unfortunately that didn't last long as Notre Dame stormed back scoring 21 unanswered points and tying the game with two minutes to play.

The game went into overtime and the Irish actually took the lead after a 44-yard field goal. But with all the momentum on Notre Dame's side, the Spartans didn't waiver and Jason Teague scored a 19-yard touchdown run to win the game in dramatic fashion 44-41.

Drew Stanton was dominant in this game, throwing for 327 yards and three touchdowns. Stanton also ran the ball 48 yards and another touchdown as well.

Overtime wins are always exciting, no matter how it ends, but this game can't be any higher based on how some other games have ended in this rivalry... especially in overtime (foreshadowing).