Don’t ever count out the Spartans. That’s the message Michigan State delivered once again in the national spotlight Thursday night.

For much of the Peach Bowl, Mel Tucker’s squad appeared to be in control of the game. Unfortunately, too many miscues and penalties left Michigan State facing a 21-10 deficit entering the 4th quarter.

Fortunately, that is when the offense woke up on the arm of quarterback Payton Thorne. He led 2 scoring drives, including one with a touchdown toss to Jayden Reed with 2:51 remaining.

Reed’s 2nd score of the game gave Michigan State the lead for good, but it wasn’t the end of the action. With Pittsburgh driving to try and tie or take the lead, Cal Haladay picked off a pass and rolled all the way back for the clinching pick-6. It gave Michigan State the 31-21 win.

According to STATS, the Peach Bowl was the 446th bowl game in the past 25 seasons when a team has trailed by double-digit points entering the 4th quarter. Michigan State’s 10-point win is the first time that any of those teams came back to win by double digits at the final whistle.

Not bad for win No. 11 for Tucker and the Spartans.