Ranking the best Michigan-Michigan State football moments

Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
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Michigan State football has the big one this weekend, and everyone in Spartan Nation will be hoping to add another chapter to the historic moments during the annual rivalry battle against Michigan. Before Saturday night's game can be played, it's time to reflect on some of the best moments from this rivalry.

Mark Dantonio certainly had a major role in a lot of the moments that make this top five list.

Without further ado, lets reflect on the best moments.

1. Trouble With The Snap

Who can forget the meeting between the Unbeaten and No. 7 Spartans against the No. 12 ranked Wolverines on October 17, 2015. It was the first year under Jim Harbaugh, and it seemed like Michigan had finally turned things around.

But all you need is 10 seconds to make magic happen. Jalen Watts-Jackson did just that, and the famous line of "Whoa, he has trouble with the snap..." will live on forever.

2. Kenneth Walker puts the Spartans on his back

Michigan State was in the middle of a miracle run during the 2021 season, as Kenneth Walker III, took it upon himself to put the Spartans on his back. He rushed for five touchdowns against a vaunted Michigan defense, in a match-up of two unbeatens. Though he was snubbed by the Heisman voters, Walker proved he was the best player in the country on that day.

3. Devin Gardner gets buried in Spartan Stadium

The 2013 meeting in East Lansing, saw plenty of exciting moments. The Wolverines came in with a highly-touted offense. That was quickly met with the best defense in the country. On a day Michigan State sacked Devin Gardner seven times. The Wolverines finished the game with -48 yards rushing.

A Darqueze Dennard interception, and a Jeremy Langford touchdown run late gave the Spartans their largest margin of victory since 1967.

4. Mark Dantonio responds to 'little brother' comment

The 2008 meeting between the Spartans and Wolverines had plenty of rivalry banter going in. The previous season saw former Michigan running back Mike Hart utter the now famous "little brother" comment. That rubbed Mark Dantonio the wrong way. The Spartans marched into Ann Arbor on a mission. Despite a vow from defensive lineman Brandon Graham, the Spartans rolled to a 35-21 victory.

5. Spartan run game puts final nail in Rich Rod's coffin

In a season that saw MSU, pull off the now famed "Little Giants" play, the Spartans had all the confidence in the world when they pulled into the Big House in Ann Arbor.

Despite a highly effective Dennard Robinson at quarterback, the Wolverines stood no chance. Edwin Baker, Le'Veon Bell, and Larry Caper ran holes through the Wolverines. It was the final nail in the coffin for head coach Rich Rodriguez.

It's no joke the Spartans have had plenty of impactful moments in this rivalry. Despite not making top five list, their are plenty of other moments that deserve a honorable mention. Those moments include the 2001 TJ Duckett touchdown catch with one-second left, Jeremy Langford putting a final stake in the Brady Hoke Michigan era in 2014, and of course the Spartans breaking Jim Harbaugh's collarbone during the 1984 meeting.