Ranking Mark Dantonio’s 100 wins: 2011 MSU completes four-peat against UM for win No. 15

Look what we have here — another win against Michigan!

If you’ve missed any of wins No. 100-15 — which also includes a few other good rivalry wins — give this link a click.

Let’s reminisce on MSU’s four-peat, gang.

Win No. 15

Oct. 15, 2011: No. 23 MSU 28, No. 11 Michigan 14

A crisp fall day in East Lansing also held some extra hostility in the bleachers that day. Not only was this a rivalry game, but it was a game between an undefeated Wolverine squad and a one-loss MSU team.

MSU’s senior class was also on the verge of going 4-0 against their in-state foes and, well, you know the rest...

Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images

How They Won

The Spartans defense once again shut down September Heisman winner Denard Robison, holding him to 165 combined rushing and passing yards and just one touchdown pass. Well, maybe two touchdown passes if you count his pick-six to Isaiah Lewis to ice the game.

Edwin Baker also ran like a man whose mission was to personally save Paul Bunyan this game, piling up 167 rushing yards and one touchdown – the first one of the game for MSU to tie it at 7-7 in the first quarter.

Other than that? Well, the Kirk Cousins-to-Keshawn Martin was thriving with efficiency to the tune of three catches, 31 yards and – most importantly – two touchdowns in the third quarter.

What This Win Meant

There’s nothing fluky about a four-peat.

This win cemented that Mark Dantonio has built the premier powerhouse in the state, picking up four wins in his first five tries.

Furthermore, it meant the Spartans were once again going to contend for the Big Ten title, getting their conference season started with wins against Ohio State and Michigan.

And, of course, it meant Kirk Cousins and Co. graduated with a perfect 4-0 record against Michigan.