EAST LANSING, Mich. — The best college football game of the 2021 season featured the best offensive football player in the nation and perhaps the best defensive player, and it was won by the man doing the best coaching job in the nation. Michigan State 37, Michigan 33 was vast and contained multitudes.
“Epic game,” winning coach Mel Tucker said afterward, in a slightly hoarse voice. “That was a classic. I mean, that was a big-time game.”
The 70 points scored were the most in regulation in this series since 1996, and nearly all of them came with attendant style points for artistry or drama.