Former redshirt freshman defensive back Jalen Watts-Jackson runs the ball for the game winning touchdown during the game against Michigan on Oct. 17, 2015 at Michigan Stadium. The Spartans defeated the Wolverines, 27-23.
MSU’s miraculous last second touchdown off a botched punt attempt to defeat University of Michigan 27-23 was named play of the year Thursday night in a fan vote at ESPN’s Home Depot College Football Awards presentation.
The fans have spoken. Michigan State's mircacle in the Big House is the #PlayoftheYear https://t.co/50zkxrC1iF
— ESPN CollegeFootball (@ESPNCFB) December 11, 2015
MSU head coach Mark Dantonio was on hand to accept it on redshirt freshman Jalen Watts-Jackson’s behalf. Furthermore, the award was presented to Dantonio by U-M student Chris Baldwin, who is famous for what has been named the surrender cobra pose. His likeness has appeared on t-shirts, memes,and is the face of the reaction of many fans at the Big House who witnessed the incredible finish.
Surrender Cobra making an appearance at the #CFBAwards! pic.twitter.com/XjUgVnqqxx
— ESPN CollegeFootball (@ESPNCFB) December 11, 2015
Watts-Jackson’s play received 43 percent of the fan vote, the majority of the four plays up for the award. Watts-Jackson appeared in a prerecorded video message talking about the play and highlighting how he is recovering from hip surgery.
“Recovery process is going by fast and a lot better than I thought it would,” Watts-Jackson said in the video. “Just seeing how that took place and like how our season is going, now we’re in the (College Football Playoff),” Watts-Jackson said. “People tell me, 'you know, if it wasn’t for you we wouldn’t be here.'”
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