All Hail!: Spartans Upset Michigan In Overtime

NFL News - October 4th, 2009 - Written by John

So much for National Title hopes. So much for the Heisman, for that matter.

Michigan rallied with two late touchdowns against Michigan State, but Tate Forcier threw a costly interception in overtime and Spartan running back Larry Caper made him pay, dashing for a 23-yard touchdown to deliver the Wolverines their first loss of the season. The 26-20 win gave Michigan State a two-game winning streak over the Wolverines for the first time since 1967.

“We did something that hasn’t been done in 42 years,” head coach Mark Dantonio said. “That’s amazing. But facts are facts. This game has a way of defining you.”

Despite starting the season 1-3, Michigan State was actually favored against their state rival and never really looked out of sync. They raced to a 20-6 lead on the arm of Kirk Cousins, who completed 15 of his 21 passes and ran for 75 yards. Michigan tried to bring themselves back in the game when they faked a punt deep in their own territory. But the Spartans were all over it and blasted punter Zoltan Mesko behind the line. Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez told reporters after the game, the fake was a read play and Mesko had the option to punt or run and supposedly saw a crease.

But it was the Spartans who profited from the decision, tacking on a field goal before another touchdown put them up by 14.

But Tate Forcier hasn't been impressing scouts for nothing and nearly pulled off another improbable comeback. In miserable conditions, the freshman brought his team back with two late touchdowns to push it into extra time.

His first score lit up the crowd with a 60-yard strike to  Darryl Stonum with four minutes remaining, then mounted a 92-yard drive as time ticked away. He hit Roy Roundtree with two seconds left, pumped his fist and was at the center of the universe until his pick set up Michigan State's touchdown.

To discuss this and other NFL related stories be sure to check out our new forum at:
https://www.usaplayers.com/forums/