Michigan State back on top of AP poll

And of course, the botched punt by MI that gave the Spartans a victory in Ann Arbor this season. It had nothing to do with his performance in the Spartans’ Big Ten Championship Game win over Iowa, but rather, it was based on an interaction he had with Archie Griffin after the game. “I’m just glad to have him on my team, he’s a great person, great player and just expect more from him”. “No matter what the score is, no matter what the circumstance is, we’re going to go out there and play, and if we’ve got to go 22 plays, we’re going to go 22”.

It was a drive that included so many tense moments that no one play stands out as the most significant. Michigan State won the Big Ten championship 16-13 over Iowa, with freshman L.J. Scott lunging forward for a 1-yard TD in the final minute that capped an epic 22-play drive.

After the game, the Spartans joined Dantonio and Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany on stage set up on the field for the trophy presentation.

“Honestly, this is the reason why I came back, of course to get my (criminal justice) degree and then the opportunity to play big-time football with the opportunity to make it into the playoff system”, said Calhoun, who led a defensive charge that limited Iowa to a season-low 52 yards on the ground. Burbridge was hit hard, but he held onto the ball for a 16-yard gain.

Michigan State has won its last four bowl games since, including last New Year’s Day in its first Cotton Bowl. However, he spun his way toward the goal-line, reaching the ball over another Iowa defender, diving into the end zone with his arm outstretched like Michael Jordan from Space Jam.

ESPN analyst Joey Galloway said before the pairings were announced that he expected MSU to move up to No. 3 or even No. 2 on the strength of the win over Iowa, plus road wins over Ohio State and MI and a home win over Oregon.

“Last year’s game, people will talk about that, but it really doesn’t mean anything”, Tigers coach Dabo Swinney said in an interview with ESPN.

“It was insane in Indianapolis”, Dantonio said.

“I’m not afraid to sit up here in front of everybody and say I think we have God’s favor at times”, Dantonio said at his press conference at Spartan Stadium.

It’s safe to assume that Hawkeye fans were already dreaming of New Year’s Eve in Arlington or Miami, but one fan got excited a little prematurely.