Georgia Vs. Michigan State, Outback Bowl: Sparty Downs Dawgs In Triple OT, 33-30

So how exactly did they move the ball enough to win, then? Start with senior tight end Brian Linthicum (10 targets, seven catches, 115 yards), who averaged 2.5 targets per game and quadrupled that yesterday. He was nearly invisible in the first half, catching one pass for a loss of one, but he caught six of eight passes in the second half, including a 50-yard catch-and-run on a throwback screen that set up a go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter. Michigan State just kept trying and trying until they found something that worked. A combination of resilience and resourcefulness helped the Spartans overcome a 16-0 halftime lead and eventually pull out the win.

(King, by the way, had an amazing day, catching six of 10 passes for 205 yards. Not bad for someone I called a possession receiver in the preview)

Spartans head coach Mark Dantonio, whose bowl losing streak ends at four, said Monday’s win over a quality SEC opponent established Michigan State as an elite program, Matt Charboneau of The Detroit News reports.

For Georgia senior cornerback Brandon Boykin, who had 183 all-purpose yards, recorded a safety, and scored on a 92-yard punt return and 13-yard touchdown reception, Outback Most Valuable Player honors was no substitution for ending his college career with a loss, reports Joey Johnston of The Tampa Tribune.

We at SB Nation have championed fat athletics -- or as we call it, “FAThletics” -- since our launch, and therefore feel obligated to bring your attention to today’s Moment of Husky Sporting Heroism. John Jenkins, all 6’3”, 351 pounds of you: please bring the thunder after the jump.

OH OH OH COOKIE ME GET COOKIE NOM NOM COOKIE. Though UGA did not as a team live up to Jenkins’ heroism in a 33-30 loss to Michigan State, please note his achievement in amply proportioned athleticism even in defeat. For more Fat Guy Sports, please see our blog The Snacking Gentleman. (This blog does not exist. Yet.)

Michigan State came back from a 16-0 halftime deficit to win the program’s first bowl game under Mark D’Antonio, 33-30 over Georgia in triple overtime at the 2012 Outback Bowl.

Live Outback Bowl box score, Outback Bowl FAQ and Jan. 2 bowl TV schedule.

Live Outback Bowl box score, Outback Bowl FAQ and Jan. 2 bowl TV schedule.

The teams will now move to triple overtime, where by rule teams must attempt a two-point conversion following a touchdown score - if either can find the end zone.

Live Outback Bowl box score, Outback Bowl FAQ and Jan. 2 bowl TV schedule.

Live Outback Bowl box score, Outback Bowl FAQ and Jan. 2 bowl TV schedule.

Live Outback Bowl box score, Outback Bowl FAQ and Jan. 2 bowl TV schedule.

Chronology mars this splendid dance from UGA defensive coordinator Todd Grantham, but the notoriously grumpy Grantham got some modicum of air celebrating Wililams’ interception. No word if this is considered simple assault based on Grantham’s previous record:

Live Outback Bowl box score, Outback Bowl FAQ and Jan. 2 bowl TV schedule.

Both teams traded punts after the Spartans scored to cut the lead 16-8, then Murray was picked off by MSU’s Darqueze Dennard for a 38-yard touchdown return, the second interception of Murray by Dennard on the day, and in the third quarter.

Live Outback Bowl box score, Outback Bowl FAQ and Jan. 2 bowl TV schedule.

Following the score, MSU amped up the pressure on Georgia’s offense, increasing their blitzes to force a three-and-out and take back possession. The Bulldogs are also playing without oft-injured freshman tailback Isaiah Crowell, who was ruled out for the second half after re-injuring his ankle. He finishes the game with three yards on three carries.

Live Outback Bowl box score, Outback Bowl FAQ and Jan. 2 bowl TV schedule.

Georgia’s success has come solely on big, bold plays - aside from the safety, both scores have come on major yardage “big” plays, and one on special teams. In addition to their touchdown connection, Murray hit King for a 60-yard pass in the first quarter, and minus those two plays, UGA only has 66 total yards of offense.

Live Outback Bowl box score, Outback Bowl FAQ and Jan. 2 bowl TV schedule.

The combination of Murray to King has been almost all of the offense this bowl game has seen - King has four receptions for 146 yards, while the rest of the Georgia offense only has 60 total yards in almost two quarters. Assisted by King’s big day, Murray has been a serviceable 13 of 16 for 185 yards against an agressive Spartan defense, which is cause to celebrate.

[David Attenborough voice]

The majestic Worthy-bear! As he hunts, this beast exhibits the most curious of nature’s behaviors.

After one quarter at Raymond James Stadium, both Georgia and Michigan State have traded big defensive stops, and the score remains 2-0 Bulldogs after a safety by UGA’s Brandon Boykin.

Live Outback Bowl box score, Outback Bowl FAQ and Jan. 2 bowl TV schedule.

Live Outback Bowl box score, Outback Bowl FAQ and Jan. 2 bowl TV schedule.

NOTE: Confused? See the quick glossary at the bottom.

As fans, we tend to have selective memory. Certain games create reputations for teams in your head, and if another game refutes that perception, you just forget it. It is what has happened with Michigan State and me. The Spartans proved themselves a high-quality team this year, winning ten games, comfortably placing in the F/+ Top 15, playing stellar defense, and coming within three points of a Big Ten title. But ... I just cannot shake last January 1, when State got so thoroughly eviscerated, and downright emasculated, by Alabama.

The 2012 Outback Bowl should have its name changed to the Bounceback Bowl.

Georgia won 10 straight games overall and seven straight SEC games before running into a buzzsaw in a 42-10 loss to No. 1 LSU in the SEC Championship. Meanwhile, Michigan State was the victim on conference realignment. Because of the addition of Nebraska into the Big Ten, the Spartans had to play in the conference’s first championship game instead of automatically qualifying for the Rose Bowl. Michigan State lost the title game to Wisconsin 42-39 and the chance to smell the roses.

It will be the third time the two teams have met, and while the Bulldogs have won the previous two contests, there’s little doubt Michigan State has the talent to turn the tides this season.

For more on the 2012 Outback Bowl, head over to Georgia blog Dawg Sports and Michigan State blog The Only Colors.

For more on the 2012 Outback Bowl head over to Georgia blog Dawg Sports and Michigan State blog The Only Colors.

Follow along as Texas A&M gets Mark Richt a raise.