Which was the best Michigan vs. Michigan State game this decade?
The Michigan vs. Michigan State football rivalry has produced a number of memorable games over the past 10 years, including three overtime sessions in the past six meetings.
Which game do you think was the best? Vote in our poll.
Our contenders (sorry, Michigan fans, you can't vote for the 49-3 win in 2002) are:
2009: Michigan rallies from a 14-point deficit to force overtime when Tate Forcier completes a 92-yard drive with an 8-yard touchdown pass to Roy Roundtree with two seconds remaining in regulation. The Spartans intercept a tipped Forcier pass in the end zone in overtime and win the game, 26-20, on Larry Caper’s 23-yard touchdown run on their overtime possession.
2007: Michigan State scores 21 unanswered points to take a 24-14 lead midway through the fourth quarter of the 100th meeting between the teams. But Chad Henne rallied the Wolverines for a 28-24 win, throwing fourth-quarter touchdown passes to Greg Matthews and Mario Manningham, the latter coming with 2:28 remaining in the game.
2005: Garrett Rivas, who had missed a potential game-winning, 27-yard field goal in the final minute of regulation, kicked a 35-yarder in overtime to give Michigan a 34-31 win. John Goss missed a 37-yard attempt on the Spartans’ overtime possession. Michigan State tied the game at 31-31 when defensive tackle Domato Peko rumbled 74 yards on a fumble return. Mike Hart rushed for 218 yards and a touchdown in the game.
2004: Michigan rallies from a 27-10 deficit in the final minutes of regulation and Braylon Edwards’ third touchdown reception of the game - in the third overtime session - clinched a 45-37 Wolverines’ win. Chad Henne hit Edwards on 36- and 21-yard touchdown passes in the final 6:12 to force overtime.
2001: Jeff Smoker’s 2-yard touchdown pass to T.J. Duckett on the final play of the game gave Michigan State a 26-24 win. The Spartans converted three fourth-down plays on their final drive, including the game-winning pass to Duckett, who had already rushed for 211 yards and a score.
Comments
Lokalisierung
Tue, Oct 5, 2010 : 1:25 p.m.
"This poll shouldn't even be close. The 2004 was the best game EVER in the series..." Yeah it would be real hard to vote against that one. That was just a crazy game all around.
Mick52
Mon, Oct 4, 2010 : 6:46 p.m.
2004 for sure. I had to work my midnight shift that night so since M was down by so much with only a few minutes left, we decided to leave. By the time we reached the top of the section, a huge roar came up, so we watched the rest of the game at the concession monitors as we walked north to gate 9. It was truly the best game v little bro
David Briegel
Mon, Oct 4, 2010 : 5:35 p.m.
The tackle of Desmond Howard in the end zone to "steal" the victory was a tough pill to swallow. It was tough to lose to Eddie Smith and Kirk Gibson. Braylon was a man playing with boys. Too bad he hasn't grown up!
Papabear151
Mon, Oct 4, 2010 : 5:27 p.m.
Was the game in 2001 the one where the game clock CLEARLY hit 0 about 3 seconds before the hiked the ball for the game winning touchdown?
heartbreakM
Mon, Oct 4, 2010 : 3:22 p.m.
Braylon was a beast in that fourth quarter, but Stanton sure scared me through the first half. It was too bad for him that the clean hit injured his shoulder (even Stanton said it was clean)--I think Woodley is the one who did it? Stanton was on fire that day, and so was the MSU running game. But in the end, that game was captivating and as exciting as college football gets. And the good guys won!!
aftermac
Mon, Oct 4, 2010 : 3:02 p.m.
As much as I enjoyed 2002, 2004 was easily the most exciting game in the series, if not one of the best games I've ever seen.
81wolverine
Mon, Oct 4, 2010 : 2:38 p.m.
This poll shouldn't even be close. The 2004 was the best game EVER in the series easily. Of all the many games I've seen in the Big House, that one is the biggest and best Michigan comeback I've seen. Being behind by 17 in the 4th quarter, and then sending it into the overtime periods was amazing by itself. Then, the incredible back and forth OT periods capped off a game for the ages.