10

Senior wide receiver DeAnthony Arnett’s touchdown catch against Western Michigan.

Arnett had waited a long time to get his opportunity at MSU, and in the opening week, he made his mark with a touchdown grab against the Broncos. MSU fans who had anticipated Arnett to break into the wide receiver rotation were pleased, despite Arnett not seeing the field much after the fact.

9

Sophomore linebacker Chris Frey and senior defensive lineman Lawrence Thomas’ combined sack on Vernon Adams to essentially seal the victory against Oregon.

In a 31-28 ball game, Oregon was driving with just over a minute to go. On 3rd and 7 from the MSU 34, Frey and Thomas made a huge defensive play, putting the Ducks in a long fourth down, which they failed to convert, giving MSU a 2-0 start.

8

Mark Dantonio smiling and dancing on senior night

It’s not too often that MSU fans get to see the stern, collected Dantonio become giddy with excitement. Senior night changed that when Dantonio was seen on the sidelines grinning and putting his hands up in the air, dancing with the music in the stadium.

7

Senior wide receiver Aaron Burbridge’s spectacular catch for a touchdown against Air Force.

Burbridge was senior quarterback Connor Cook’s number one target all season long and it was because he can make plays like this one. After reeling in an incredible catch, he has the awareness to get his feet in bounds to give the Spartans 6 points.

 

6

Cook breaks the MSU record for most touchdown passes.

Cook is arguably the best quarterback ever to wear the green and white for MSU, and he helped bolster his case, as he connected with Burbridge on a 33-yard strike against Nebraska to overtake Kirk Cousins as the MSU all-time leader in touchdown passes.

5

Burbridge’s catch and double spin touchdown against Penn State.

Burbridge made plenty of plays, but none as spectacular as this TD catch and run on senior night. After taking a hit, Burbridge spins twice and leaps into the end zone to extend MSU’s lead against Penn State.

4

Senior center Jack Allen runs in a touchdown from nine yards out.

The All-American senior center got a taste of the end zone at the end of senior night and he did it in style. He took a handoff from nine yards out, threw a nasty stiff arm, and waltzed into the end zone to cap a blowout victory over Penn State.

3

Freshman running back L.J. Scott caps off a 22-play drive with a lunging touchdown run to win the Big Ten title.

MSU, trailing by four in the Big Ten championship game, leaned on Scott in their final 22-play 9-minute drive capped off with a touchdown run from Scott, who extended the ball over the goal line, dodging an Iowa defenders hands in the process.

2

Junior kicker Michael Geiger kicks game winning field goal to defeat Ohio State on the road without Cook.

Not many people expected MSU to go into Columbus and come out with a victory, especially without Cook running the offense. Stingy defense and solid quarterback play put MSU in a position to win, and Geiger sealed the victory with a 42-yard field goal and insane windmill celebration down the field.

1

Freshman defensive back Jalen-Watts Jackson returns muffed punt for game winning touchdown against rival Michigan with no time remaining.

In one of the greatest plays in the history of MSU football, Watts Jackson was the hero of the night against the Wolverines, and even broke his hip diving for the end zone. Despite the season-ending injury, Watts Jackson remains one the Spartans biggest and unlikeliest heroes of the year. Not to mention, the call from ESPN’s Sean McDonough was spectacular, to say the least.

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=espn:13585938