Michigan State prevails on wacky play

Jalen Watts-Jackson grabbed the ball on a flubbed punt attempt and lumbered 38 yards into the end zone for a touchdown on the final play, giving No. 7 Michigan State a 27-23 victory over No. 12 Michigan.

Jalen Watts-Jackson grabbed the ball on a flubbed punt attempt and lumbered 38 yards into the end zone for a touchdown on the final play, giving No. 7 Michigan State a 27-23 victory over No. 12 Michigan in one of college football’s most unlikely endings.

With the Wolverines up 23-21 with 10 seconds left, punter Blake O’Neill bobbled a low snap, and spun around to try and make the kick. But he was hit, the ball popped free and Watts-Jackson caught it, broke a few tackles in the final yards and made it into the end zone.

Michigan State (7-0, 3-0 Big Ten) has won seven of eight in the series, its best stretch in more than a halfcentury. Michigan (5-2, 2-1) lost for the first time since an opening setback at Utah.

The Wolverines were seconds away from sealing the win after Sione Houma ran for two TDs, Kenny Allen kicked three field goals and forcing the Spartans to turn it over on downs with 1:47 left at its 45.

The Spartans had only one timeout left and used it after the next snap. Michigan had two and coach Jim Harbaugh used both, including one with 10 seconds left to set up the final punt.

Connor Cook was 18 of 39 for 328 yards and a TD for Michigan State, and Aaron Burbridge had nine receptions for 132 yards. Michigan’s Jake Rudock was 15 of 25 for 168 yards.

CARLOS OSORIO — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Michigan State quarterback Connor Cook (18) celebrates with teammates and fans after their 27-23 win over Michigan on Saturday.