Spartans’ Last-Second Stunner Named One of NCAA’s Greatest Games

The rivalry between Michigan State University (MSU) and the University of Michigan (U-M) is a story that goes back to when the Spanish-American War was being fought in Cuba. The yearly meeting between these two storied programs is a highlight every year, but is one that is very lopsided in the Wolverines' favor, with MSU's record against U-M being 38-74-5.

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Which is why anytime MSU beats Michigan, a team that won the National Championship in 2024, it's not easily forgotten. However, there is one matchup that is forever enshrined in NCAA football history, one that, according to CBS Sports, was the highlight of the entire season. Yes, it's the game that had THAT ending.

"He Has Trouble With The Snap...'

It's a game that came down to the final play of the game. No.12 Michigan was about to end No. 7 Michigan State's 7-game winning streak to start the 2015 season. It would be a statement win for 1st year coach Jim Harbaugh. All the Wolverines had to do was punt the ball and get a stop.

READ MORE: A Look Back: Wolverines' Dominant Season Of '97 |

. But as we all know, that didn't happen.

Not only was the fumbled snap picked up and ran into the end zone by Jalen Watts-Jackson as time expired, securing an improbable win for a MSU team that went on to finish 12-1 and play in the Cotton Bowl, but it also produced both an iconic reaction image thanks to Chris Baldwin and one of the best play calls ever by an announcer.

This game is still so memorable to this day that CBS Sports has included it on its list of the best 25 games since 2000, highlighting the most memorable game from each year of college football from 2000 to 2025. Even if this game hadn't been a rivalry game, it would have been a crazy ending. But for these late-game antics to happen between two of college football's biggest schools made it even crazier.

Obviously, U-M still has far more bragging rights in the world of College Football, but MSU will always have this match to hold over the university's name. If you're curious, check out the University of Michigan's record against each BIG 10 team.