Today's victory represents a milestone moment in Spartan football history. For the first time since 1967, Michigan State has defeated Michigan three years in a row. For the first time since 1999, the Spartans are 6-0. And for the first time in perhaps the history of Michigan Stadium, the fourth quarter was punctuated with chants of "Go Green! Go White!' as the seconds ticked off of a resounding Michigan State win.
As soon as I heard the yells of ecstatic Spartan fans over the ABC commentary, I got goosebumps. But before that moment, it's key to remember that this Michigan State team put forth a tremendous effort today, and although the final deficit was 17, it took a good deal of work.
It took a strong defensive effort to hold the country's leading rusher to 84 yards, and even more work to put themselves in position to intercept three of his passes. It took a bruising effort on the offensive line to allow State to rush for more than 250 yards, while that group continued to demonstrate their versatility in pass protection. And it took a great deal of toughness to go into the Big House and emerge victorious.
I'm sure that Coach Dantonio has never been prouder of his team, and he has great reason to.
Michigan State demonstrated all the hallmarks of a truly GREAT team today. They ran the ball effectively throughout the game. They threw the ball extremely well. They got defensive stops and neutralized Michigan's top offensive threats. They committed no major mistakes and didn't let penalties kill periods of major momentum. And once again, they showed toughness and heart, classic Spartan traits.
While this game is certainly a defining moment, it definitely isn't the end of the road for this squad, and something tells me more milestone moments are on the way.
GO GREEN!!
--Beau
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