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What Is The Most Memorable Michigan State Spartans Comeback Win?
TL;DR
The Michigan State Spartans' most memorable comeback win occurred on October 21, 2006, when they defeated the Northwestern Wildcats 41-38. This game is notable for being a record-setting comeback in college football history.
Key points
- Michigan State Spartans defeated Northwestern Wildcats 41-38
- Game took place on October 21, 2006
- This match set a record for the largest comeback in college football history
Michigan State SpartansNorthwestern WildcatsT.J. WilliamsBrandon Denson
Oct 21, 2006; Evanston, IL, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback (12) T.J. Williams celebrates with running back (22) Brandon Denson and Sparty after defeating the Northwestern Wildcats 41-38. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-Imagn Images © Copyright 2006 Jerry Lai
I am admittedly stealing the idea for this article from Jeremy Reisman over on the Detroit Lions’ site. They do a great job over there with their Lions coverage, and imitation is the greatest form of flattery.
On Friday night, the Detroit Pistons made history. Facing elimination in Game 6 of the opening round of the 2025-26 NBA Playoffs, the Pistons found themselves down 24 points in the second half. But then their defense locked in, Cade Cunningham took over, and the Pistons came all the way back to force a Game 7 at home in Detroit. Their 24-point comeback set the franchise record for the biggest comeback in the postseason, and it was the largest comeback from a road team facing elimination since the 1996-97 NBA season.
What about our MSU Spartans? Over the years, our teams have been on both sides of epic end-of-game situations, both mounting unthinkable comebacks and also snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. I have my #1 memory from this category, and it’s one that still is the record holder in college football. I remember watching this at home and the comeback just had this feeling of inevitability to it to the point that I was able to enjoy it fully without any amount of stress.
Q&A
What happened in the Michigan State Spartans' comeback against Northwestern in 2006?
On October 21, 2006, the Spartans overcame a deficit to defeat the Northwestern Wildcats 41-38, marking a significant comeback in college football.
Why is the 2006 Michigan State vs. Northwestern game considered historic?
This game is historic because it holds the record for the largest comeback in college football history.
Who were the key players in the Spartans' 2006 comeback win?
Quarterback T.J. Williams and running back Brandon Denson were key players in the Spartans' comeback victory over Northwestern.
