This year was no different, with both football and basketball finishing in the top­ 10. While most Spartans are well aware of MSU’s accomplishments on the field, some might have missed out on some memorable moments that took place while the game wasn’t going on.

There’s a reason why people call sports the best version of reality television. It’s not just the constant drama and momentum swings that happen throughout a game. It’s those small moments that remind fans that these athletes and coaches, who are held in such awe, are just as emotional, quirky and confused as we are.

Case No. 1: When The Nae Nae became The Whip, and Connor Cook became “That Guy.”

During the Spartans memorable Rose Bowl championship season, their postgame locker room celebrations started to become YouTube sensations.

Even though head coach Mark Dantonio hinted that they would retire the ritual, they simply just changed the song and dance. Instead of “Type Of Way” by Rich Homie Quan, MSU listened to “We Dem Boyz”mrby Wiz Khalifa. Instead of falling back to “The Nae Nae,” the Spartans dropped “The Whip.” Instead of Cook dancing like a bear trying to walk backwards ... wait, no, that part didn’t change.

Case No. 2: Through the highs and lows, Branden Dawsonmr and Lourawls “Tum Tum” Nairn find their comfort.

In case you missed it, MSU basketball had a roller coaster of a season this year. During a January win over Iowa, Dawson checked out of the game and immediately dropped his head in exhaustion. Sure, Gatorade and water might hydrate you and keep you energized, but liquids have been, and always will be, overrated.

Yes, maybe a granola bar or a fancy Clif Bar could have done the trick. At the end of the day though, eating a Starburst was really the only option Dawson had to get his game back. Some might argue Snickers is the best performance­enhancing candy, but to each his own. I just can’t believe Dawson didn’t smack that maize Starburst out of his sight.

The maize Starburst is undoubtedly the little sister of the Starburst family. Nairn delivered one of the more heartwarming moments of the season after MSU clinched its spot in the Final Four. As the celebration was still going on all around him, Nairn wasted no time in calling his mother who lives in the Bahamas.

“She didn’t say anything back, she was crying the whole time,” Nairn said. “I told her I would call her after everything was over with.”

The television cameras captured Nairn’s touching moment on the phone, giving MSU fans just another reason to fall in love with the 5-foot-10-inch guard.

Case No. 3: David Zoltowskimr makes you feel bad.

Zoltowski, a senior, is a member of MSU’s swim team and also happens to be one of 14 Churchill scholars in the world.

Majoring in electrical engineering, Zoltowski has maintained a 4.0 GPA while aspiring to help people with brain disorders. Following his graduation, Zoltowski plans to pursue a master’s of philosophy in information engineering at the University of Cambridge.

Feeling a little down about yourself now? Go eat a Starburst or call your mom. It’ll make you feel better.