A year ago, it would’ve been a dropped pass, missed tackle and great passing play by the opponent that would have summed up the end of a disappointing game.

But on Senior Day, this year’s class of seniors helped change the storyline and, in doing so, added stability to the football program.

The MSU senior class has been on the wrong side of several games such as this one.

But Saturday, it was all about accomplishments and growth of players throughout their career.

They’ve been through the lows, namely in last season’s 6-7 underachieving season, but it’s hard to imagine this year’s team benefitting without the experience of last season’s tough run.

With the game on the line, several players rose to the occasion, including two seniors, cornerback Chris L. Rucker and wide receiver Mark Dell, who made huge plays in the game.

“Going into halftime all the seniors came up and said they were not going to lose this game,” senior linebacker Jon Misch said.

“On Senior Day, every senior has a lot of pride for the school and expects to be able to take the game into their own hands and make a play.”

Rucker’s fourth-quarter interception led to an MSU touchdown to bring the Spartans to within 28-20, and later in the quarter, Dell made a nice touchdown grab, then reeled in the two-point pass to bring the Spartans to within three points.

Nearly all the Spartans’ 17 seniors have had a hand in this season’s successful run, and have led the Spartans to three fourth-quarter comebacks, including two from double-digit deficits, which is a testament to their leadership.

An example can be seen in the way the Spartans’ defense appeared confident when it took the field even though Purdue had the ball and a 15-point fourth-quarter lead, and Rucker recorded the interception to bring MSU back.

Throughout the past three seasons, MSU has lost 12 games by eight points or less.

But it was clear from the demeanor of players that the culture is changing and players’ confidence levels were through the roof.

Having leadership like senior linebackers Greg Jones and Eric Gordon rubs off on the rest of the team as the defense has made a theme of making late-game stops, as they did on Purdue’s final drive Saturday, even when the Spartans shot themselves in the foot by committing a late-hit penalty.

Unlike in previous games where the Spartans dialed up a trick play to complete a comeback, Saturday was all about clutch plays and people stepping up with the game on the line.

This year’s team has helped eliminate the “Same Old Spartans” label, and brought a culture of winning to the program under Dantonio.

Regardless of what happens next week at Penn State, it’s clear the senior class’ success will help continue a winning culture at MSU.

The win — which was the 32nd for the Spartans’ senior class and is the most by any class in Spartans’ history — helps to make this class one of the most memorable in recent years, as it has recorded two nine-win seasons, four bowl appearances, and consistent overall play, even after last season’s disappointment.

The seniors led MSU to only its third 10-win season in school history, and an opportunity to be at least co-Big Ten champions with a win in a tough environment Saturday. But the Spartans’ seniors can leave knowing they left it all on the field and learned from last season’s 6-7 finish.

“I knew this was going to be my last game at Spartan Stadium and it got real emotional,” Rucker said.
“It is something I will never forget. The fans made it much better, cheering and everything. Getting this win made things a lot sweeter for us.”

Jeff Kanan is a State News football reporter. He can be reached at kananjef@msu.edu.