The Michigan State University Spartans have a rich football tradition, with numerous bowl game victories to their name. In recent history, the Spartans have continued to make their mark on the college football world with several impressive bowl game wins. Here are the top 5 MSU bowl game wins in recent history:
5. 2012 Outback Bowl: MSU 33, Georgia 30 (3OT)
In a thrilling triple-overtime game, the Spartans emerged victorious against the Georgia Bulldogs. The game was marked by a stellar performance from MSU quarterback Kirk Cousins, who threw for 300 yards and a touchdown. The win capped off an impressive 11-3 season for the Spartans and marked their first bowl victory since 2007.
Key Stats:
- Kirk Cousins: 300 passing yards, 1 TD
- Le'Veon Bell: 81 rushing yards, 1 TD
- Isaiah Lewis: 14 tackles, 1 INT
4. 2014 Rose Bowl: MSU 24, Stanford 20
In a defensive battle, the Spartans held off the Stanford Cardinal to secure a 24-20 victory. The win marked MSU's first Rose Bowl victory since 1988 and capped off an impressive 13-1 season. The Spartans' defense was led by linebacker Kyler Elsworth, who recorded 5 tackles and a sack.
Key Stats:
- Connor Cook: 332 passing yards, 2 TDs
- Jeremy Langford: 84 rushing yards, 1 TD
- Kyler Elsworth: 5 tackles, 1 sack
3. 2015 Cotton Bowl: MSU 42, Baylor 41
In a high-scoring affair, the Spartans edged out the Baylor Bears 42-41. The win marked MSU's first Cotton Bowl victory and capped off an impressive 11-2 season. The Spartans' offense was led by quarterback Connor Cook, who threw for 314 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Key Stats:
- Connor Cook: 314 passing yards, 2 TDs
- Jeremy Langford: 162 rushing yards, 3 TDs
- Tony Lippett: 115 receiving yards, 1 TD
2. 2011 Capital One Bowl: MSU 49, Alabama 7
In a dominating performance, the Spartans thrashed the Alabama Crimson Tide 49-7. The win marked MSU's first Capital One Bowl victory and capped off an impressive 11-2 season. The Spartans' offense was led by quarterback Kirk Cousins, who threw for 266 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Key Stats:
- Kirk Cousins: 266 passing yards, 2 TDs
- Edwin Baker: 146 rushing yards, 2 TDs
- B.J. Cunningham: 104 receiving yards, 1 TD
1. 2014 Big Ten Championship Game: MSU 34, Ohio State 24
In a thrilling Big Ten Championship Game, the Spartans edged out the Ohio State Buckeyes 34-24. The win marked MSU's second Big Ten Championship in three years and earned them a spot in the Rose Bowl. The Spartans' defense was led by linebacker Denicos Allen, who recorded 2 sacks and a forced fumble.
Key Stats:
- Connor Cook: 304 passing yards, 3 TDs
- Jeremy Langford: 128 rushing yards, 1 TD
- Tony Lippett: 138 receiving yards, 1 TD
These five bowl game wins showcase the Spartans' ability to perform under pressure and make a statement on the national stage. With their rich football tradition and recent success, MSU is sure to continue making waves in the college football world.
What is the most recent MSU bowl game win?
+The most recent MSU bowl game win was the 2019 Pinstripe Bowl, where the Spartans defeated Wake Forest 27-21.
What is the most notable MSU bowl game win?
+The most notable MSU bowl game win is arguably the 2014 Rose Bowl victory over Stanford, which marked the Spartans' first Rose Bowl win since 1988.
Who is the all-time leading rusher in MSU bowl game history?
+The all-time leading rusher in MSU bowl game history is Jeremy Langford, who rushed for 1,305 yards and 14 touchdowns in four bowl games.
We hope you enjoyed this article about MSU's top bowl game wins in recent history. Let us know in the comments which bowl game win is your favorite, or share this article with your friends and family to relive some of the Spartans' greatest moments.