A Magical Moment

If you were on Michigan State University's campus saturday night you may want to stay away from aluminum. The night game pitted the Spartans against rival Notre Dame in a primetime showdown that can be summed up in one word.

Electric.

The script couldn't have been written any better for Spartan football fans saturday night. To understand the magic of that night we must first put the Spartans history into perspective.

The Spartans aren't suppose to win games like the one that took place saturday. History has been a cruel reminder proving time and time again that the Spartans were inconsistent and unable to close out games. Since 2006 the team has played in 22 games decided by 7 points or less, only able to squeeze out seven wins.

Even when the Spartans appeared to be a better team on paper they couldn't hold off their opponent long enough to seal the game.

It was no surprise that the Spartans allowed Notre Dame's passing attack to coast through the air. The Fighting Irish air offense assaulted the Spartan defense for most of the game and by the end of the night had totaled 369 yards. This all in spite of the fact that it seemed to be a typical mid-september Michigan day.

However, this day was different.

All signs pointed to magic in the air and an aura of confidence hung over Spartan Stadium. The Spartans went into the game hailing the nations 11th best run defense. The rain that drizzled throughout the night gave the Spartans an unforeseeable edge.

Grit.

The grit and grind that has become the personality of Big Ten schools. The mindset that head Coach Mark Dantonio has tried to instill in his players since he arrived in East Lansing. The toughness and fortitude that makes it tough for Big Ten schools to schedule non-confernece teams willing to play in the rugged terrain of the east coast.

The grit that the Spartans found was evident through out the game. The Spartans knew that even if the Fighting Irish passed all day long the Spartan offense could counter that and shorten the game by running the ball.

The Irish struck first marching down the field capping the drive with a 7-yard pass from QB Dayne Crist to once Heisman hopeful WR Michael Floyd.

The Spartans then matched the Irish's drive with one of their own. Trotting down the field in Spartan fashion as they have done all season using the running game to open up the passing game. Spartan QB Kirk Cousins ended the drive with a 6-yard TD pass to WR Keyshawn Martin.

The Spartans and Irish had set the table for a duel and by the end of the 4th quarter the two teams were knotted up 28 all.

Here' s where the magic, grit and history all came together to showcase one of the most epic endings in the history of the Spartan-Irish rivalry.

The Irish received the ball first in overtime and tried to continue the passing attack that had been so successful the first 4 quarters. However, the Irish were only able to pick up 9 yards and were forced to attempt the go ahead field goal to put them up by 3.

Now it was the Spartans turn. They had to score on this drive or the game was over. A touchdown would win the game. RB Edwin Baker's number was called and the Irish defense held strong and dropped Baker in the backfield for a 2-yard loss.

On 2nd and 12 Cousins scampered for a 7 yard rush making it 3rd and 5.

It seemed like it was now or never for the Spartans. The years of history was either going to continue to haunt the Spartan program or a change would be started at that point.

Cousins received the snap backed up and was sacked for a 9 yard loss.

An erie silence crept over the once jubilant Spartan crowd as if the future of a football program hung on the next play.

The kick to tie would now be a 43-yarder for Spartan sophomore kicker Dan Conroy.

The crowd was silent as the Spartans lined up to attempt the game tying field goal. And what happened next was truly magical.

The former high school quarterback from Concord, Ohio and now punter for the Spartans Aaron Bates grabbed the snap stood up and back peddled several yards before heaving the ball up to wide open TE Charlie Gantt for the-26 yard game winning touchdown.

Spartan stadium erupted in cheers.

Fighting Irish Coach Brian Kelly smiled awkwardly.

Students on campus came out their apartments and dorms to share the moment with strangers who they may never connect with again. Uniting all in a dreamlike fancy.

The moment was truly magical.

A.E. Kikes