Since Nick Saban became head coach of Michigan State in 1995, his teams have won 17 games when going into a game as an underdog (at both MSU and LSU). 10 of those 17 upset wins have come against ranked teams. Some of the highlights: 1995: MSU beats #7 Michigan 28-25. Tony Banks throws for 318 yards, throwing primarily to Mushin Muhammad and Derrick Mason. MSU was a 13 point underdog going into this game. 1997: MSU beats Notre Dame at ND 23-7, a week after Notre Dame had lost to Purdue, putting them in a must win situation. After the game, Bob Davie says, "The most disappointing thing about this loss is that we were up for MSU." 1998: MSU beats Notre Dame again, 45-23, after running out to a 42-3 halftime lead. It would be the 2nd of 3 straight MSU victories over Notre Dame. 1998: MSU beats #1 ranked Ohio State at OSU 28-24. MSU's QB Billy Burke throws 46 times, Paul Edinger kicks 5 FG's. The loss costs Ohio State a chance for the national championship (Tenn. beats FSU for the championship that year). MSU was a 27 point underdog going into this game. 1999: MSU beats #3 Michigan 34-31. The loss winds up costing Michigan a trip to the Rose Bowl and any chance of playing for the national championship. Plaxico Burress catches 10 passes for 255 yards, and recovers an onside kick to preserve the win for MSU. Burke throws for 400 yards. 2000: LSU beats #11 Tennessee 38-31. Rohan Davey throws for over 300 yards, and in overtime the LSU defense preserves victory with an exciting goal line stand. 2001: LSU beats Alabama 35-21 at Alabama. Rohan Davey passes for 528 yards, and Josh Reed catches 19 passes for 253 yards. LSU was a 5 point underdog. 2001: LSU beats #2 Tennessee 31-20 in the SEC championship game. The loss costs Tennessee a spot in the BCS Championship game. LSU backups Matt Mauck and Dominick Davis lead LSU to victory. Tennessee is outscored 24-3 in the second half. 2002: LSU beats # 16 Florida 36-7 at Florida. The 31 point loss is the worst home loss for the Gators since before the Spurrier era.
<< Bama was favored to beat us last year? >> Believe it or not, yes. LSU was 4-3 going into the Bama game, and had lost to Ole Miss at home the week before.
