It’s big one this week folks. Notre Dame hosts #12 Michigan State in their toughest test to date. The Irish have zero margin for error thanks to that pesky double overtime loss to Texas to start the season. We’re going to officially start our Michigan State week coverage on a lighter note though.
It’s been seven years now since Golden Tate’s infamous end-zone jump into the Michigan State band following a go ahead touchdown catch from Jimmy Clausen. Tate hauled in seven catches for 127 yards, but that touchdown was his biggest play of the game. The score gave the Irish the lead and helped the Irish beat the Spartans at home for the first time since 2009.
Prior to Tate’s end-zone leap and Notre Dame’s win in 2009, Notre Dame had lost nine of 12 to the Spartans including six straight at home. Since then, Notre Dame’s only loss to Michigan State came on the fake field goal in overtime in 2010. The Irish have also won three straight at home including the 2009 victory.
Notre Dame and Michigan State haven’t played since 2013 when the Irish gave Michigan State their only loss of the year.
Don’t know if any Irish players will jump into the Spartan band this weekend, but hoping for a similar outcome.
Photo credit: Southcreek Global/Icon Sportswire
Frank Vitovitch has been Co-Owner and Editor in Chief of UHND.com since joining forces with Kyle Flavin in 1999. Since that time, he has written over 2,000 articles covering Notre Dame football, recruiting, and basketball. He also works with all staff and external writers on all articles published on UHND.com. Frank's love for Notre Dame football started at a young age watching Rocket Ismail give opposing coaches ulcers in the late 1980's. By day Frank works in marketing and holds a degree in Digital Media from Drexel University. Frank's work has been cited by online/print editions of NBC Sports, ESPN, and Sports Illustrated and has been quoted on air by ESPN's Collin Cowherd. He's conducted interviews with Notre Dame legends Rocket Ismail, Randy Kinder, Lee Becton, Reggie Brooks, Michael Stonebreaker, and Ned Bolcar among others over his 20+ years of covering Notre Dame football. He's also been published in the print edition of USA Today Sports Weekly and the USA Today College Football Preview multiple times. Other Published Works/Citations for Frank Three Reasons Notre Dame Will Beat Alabama - USA Today Notre Dame Suspends WR Kevin Stepherson, RB C.J. Holmes Indefinitely - Bleacher Report Notre Dame / Ohio State Fiesta Bowl Preview - Eleven Warriors Brace Yourself: The Fighting Irish are Relevant Again - Sports on Earth Interviews with the Enemy: A Q&A with Frank Vitovitch of UHND - Yahoo! Sports Five Good Minutes: Notre Dame Football Preview With UHND.com - BC Interruption Vicious Electronic Questioning with UHND - MGO Blog
At least mike king kelly is honest about His mental capacity
can only remeber Clausen jumping out of his limo when He made his grand entrance to Notre Dame!
One of my favorite plays. living in MI amongst several MSU fans, can’t help but show them the video. Classic!!!
That’s my favorite ND play ever. I have the video and watch it several times a year. The smile on Clausen’face at the end is priceless.
Love it, thanks Frank.
Can’t help but notice the antiquated facilities in that video.
Maybe jeff can shed some light on the situation because after all he was there this past weekend.