As Maurice Wells took the first Buckeye handoff 49 yards to the house, you got the feeling it was going to be a long day for the Spartans. The defense was able to control their nerves, and hold OSU to two more field goals to make it 13-3 Spartans with less than 30 seconds left in the first half.

QB Todd Boeckman and the Bucks tried to extend their first half lead, but Boeckman's pass was intercepted by CB Travis Key, who returned the ball 30 yards and fell to the ground in field goal range with just two seconds left. K Brett Swenson was able to knock it through the uprights, making it 13-6 Ohio State at halftime.

The second half was all about defense. The Spartans were shutting down an Ohio State offense missing its playmaker Chris Wells. With an unproven QB and HB, the Buckeyes kept failing to produce points, leaving the door open for the Spartans.

Unfortunately, the Spartans couldn't figure out the Buckeyes defense either, and two field goals later we headed into the 4th with the Buckeyes up 13-12.

In the 4th quarter, the Spartans were stopped to 4th and 2 from the 41 yard line. The team lined up in punt formation, and "the trick" formed. A direct snap to HB Jeff McPherson caught everyone off guard, as McPherson rumbled three yards forward putting the Spartans into field goal range. It was the first time Michigan State had pulled any sort of trick play all season long.

Another OSU stop, and another field goal gave MSU the 15-13 lead. Ohio State's final two drives of the game were picked off by the defense, giving the Spartans their biggest victory in quite some time.

"Unbelievable feeling today. We couldn't manufacture anything on offense but our defense came up huge. This win was the one we were looking for to show we aren't the same Spartans. We're not going to lay down and let you beat us", spoke Dr. P.

When looking back on the game you can't help but wonder how the Spartans won. QB Brian Hoyer was sacked eight times, and was never able to develop any deep plays. All routes seemed to be 5-7 yards each.

Ohio State had their chances, but an incredible 0 for 8 on third downs sealed their fate. Couple that with MSU's 2 for 2 fourth down conversions and you had a team who just wanted it more. QB Todd Boeckman took a shot early in the game, and never recovered as he looked scared all game long.

With the win, the Spartans are now 6-2 (3-1) and are looking at their first bowl season since 2003.