South Bend, Ind. - The Spartans luck at Notre Dame hasn't run out as they were able to knock off No. 10 Notre Dame on Saturday in overtime, 44-41.
"Oh, what a game, huh?" MSU head coach John L. Smith said. "It was worth the price of admission, I would say.
"We're proud of our kids, without a doubt. It was a heck of a game."
After giving up 21 points to the Irish and allowing them to tie the game at 38 and force overtime, the Spartan defense stepped up in the extra session to force a three-and-out holding Notre Dame to a field goal.
On the ensuing possession, junior quarterback Drew Stanton pitched to senior running back Jason Teague who took it in for the winning touchdown. The game marked Teague's return from a suspension issued by Smith.
"He got an opportunity to show himself late," Smith said. "We let him work his way back."
Both offenses showed explosive power, totaling for 1,082 yards combined.
Though giving up big plays at key times, the Spartans defense was able to match it with some big plays of their own.
"We made a lot of mistakes. We were throwing a lot of things at them and we made a lot of mistakes, particularly late," Smith said.
On the first Notre Dame drive in the second half, Irish quarterback Brady Quinn was intercepted by sophomore bandit Sir Darean Adams, who cashed in the Irish mistake for an easy six.
Later in the half, senior defensive tackle Domata Peko forced a Notre Dame fumble at the goal line, robbing the Irish of a potential scoring drive.
"Overall, we definitely could have been better, but we made some plays," Smith boasted.
Offensively for the Spartans, Stanton had another stellar day throwing for 327 yards and three touchdowns.
The win over Notre Dame should place the Spartans in the national picture. It also marks the first time in three years as MSU coach that Smith has started at a perfect 3-0 record.
"We're by no means where we need to be," Smith said. "We need to grow. For us to be a good football team, our young guys need to continue to grow."
The Spartans will look to make it 4-0 next week at Illinois.
