MSU’s football team could have just waited in the locker room Saturday. It could have mouthed the words to “America the Beautiful” and “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

The players could have paid their own private respects to the victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

That would have been an appropriate and modest gesture.

Notre Dame stayed in its locker room for pregame ceremonies - it’s the school’s tradition to do so.

So it would have been OK if MSU wanted to do the same thing, especially since the Spartans had to prepare for their first ranked opponent of the season.

The officials at both universities said they didn’t expect the Spartans to go out of their way to show any kind of support.

MSU Athletics Director Clarence Underwood agreed with Notre Dame Athletics Director Kevin White on Friday morning that the two teams would remain in the locker room during the pregame band performances.

So why did MSU head coach Bobby Williams and his team take the initiative to be different?

It was a late decision for Williams - someone who is often criticized by fans for the decisions he makes on the field.

But having his team participate in the ceremony was arguably one the most impressive decisions he has ever made as head coach.

Forget any scenarios regarding how Williams has responded in game situations. I’m sure there have been a handful of plays that fans have questioned.

But for a brief moment before MSU beat Notre Dame 17-10 on Saturday, football didn’t matter.

The Xs and Os were replaced with stars and stripes.

“We wanted to come out early and remember the victims and honor them nationally,” Williams said. “That was the reason why we were out there.”

When each school’s band played patriotic songs during pregame and Notre Dame President, the Rev. Edward A. Malloy said a prayer for the victims, MSU was on its sideline, holding hands and praying.

Instead of sticking with tradition, MSU created its own, by representing the school in they best way it could.

“We just wanted to pay our respects to those who have died,” said senior running back and captain Little John Flowers. “It was just the right thing to do.”

This young MSU team, that has had its share of off-field problems this year, came together not only as a team Saturday, but as Americans.

There are times when sports should be put on the back burner. Lately it’s when it comes to the pride of America and the state of its citizens.

Saturday’s nationally televised pregame ceremony was one of those moments.

When a record-setting crowd of 80,795 fans cheered and waved flags during the pregame, the sportswriter in me took a backseat to the proud American.

For that brief moment in Notre Dame Stadium’s press box, no members of the media were concerned about tackles, passing yards, field goals or touchdowns.

We all as a group observed the power of the red, white and blue.

That atmosphere wasn’t something you could totally capture on a notepad, tape recorder or TV camera.

There are times when brains come before bureaucracy and passion comes before the popular choice.

And I’m glad Williams and his team responded with their hearts and made a statement. Especially since they really didn’t have to.

MSU triumphed Saturday. And it had nothing to do with a football game.

Eric Lacy can be reached at lacyeric@msu.edu.