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Purdue may have won just 12-of-31 games in its history in East Lansing — and few think that No. 13 will happen on Saturday — but there have been some surprising, if not magical, moments for Boilermaker teams over the years in games played in Spartan Stadium. Here's a look at our top five: 5. Sept. 29, 1984 — Purdue 13, Michigan State 10 Coach Leon Burtnett's team needed to get over the hump, and it did with a win at Spartan Stadium. The Boilermakers and junior quarterback Jim Everett nearly doubled MSU in yardage but needed a fourth-quarter field goal by Mike Rendina to escape with the win. 4. Oct. 20, 1979 — Purdue 14, Michigan State 7 The Spartans had a disappointing '79 season, and the Boilermakers made certain of such by beating Michigan State on the road. Wayne Smith's 42-yard pick-six in the second quarter broke a scoreless tie as the defense came within 54 seconds of a shutout. The victory helped the Boilermakers to their only 10-win season. 3. Nov. 16, 2002 — Purdue 45, Michigan State 42 Desperately needing a victory to earn bowl eligibility, Purdue looked done for as starting quarterback Brandon Kirsch was knocked out of the game with Purdue facing a fourth-and-eight at the MSU 30 with just over three minutes left. Kyle Orton came off the bench, shook off the 30-degree temperatures and calmly tossed the game-winning scoring strike to John Standeford. 2. Nov. 14, 1998 — Purdue 25, Michigan State 24 For the second straight year, the Boilermakers battled back from an 11-point fourth quarter deficit to pull out a win and also, for the second straight year, a blocked kick served as the impetus for the shocking win. This time Todd Stelma's blocked punt set up a key score with just over five minutes left, and Drew Brees found Isaac Jones for the game winning touchdown with 1:21 left. 1. Oct. 19, 1957 — Purdue 20, Michigan State 13 Duffy Daugherty's No. 1-ranked Spartans couldn't overcome 10 fumbles, five that were lost, as the Boilermakers pulled off the stunner. It was a key victory for second-year coach Jack Mollenkopf that turned his fortunes around. After suffering his only losing season at Purdue in '56, he started the '57 season with three straight losses. The victory over the Spartans in some ways helped the Purdue program set sail for the most successful 13-year period in its history. — Alan Karpick Nine of Michigan State's penalties have leading average allowance per play. been for pass interference. 4: Michigan State has scored four touchdowns on defense this season. NUMBER CRUNCHING Oddly, the Spartans scored four of their 4: Opponents have recorded only four first five touchdowns this season on D and sacks against Michigan State, second-fewest haven't scored since. in the Big Ten, behind only Purdue's last opDefensive end Shilique Calhoun has ponent, Nebraska. Purdue generated one scored three touchdowns, most by any indisack against the Cornhuskers. vidual in the country. j 3.56: Michigan State's defense's NCAA- It's All On GoldandBlack.com The Best Purdue Sports Information On The Web •Real-time recruiting •Game stories, analysis and blogs •Premium message boards •Video, audio, live stream events and more •Exclusive access to premium information Part of the Rivals.com network Sign up for a 7-day free trial today! Note: GoldandBlack.com is a separate subscription than your subscription to Gold and Black Illustrated/Gold and Black EXPRESS. GoldanDBlack express • volume 24, express 7 • 11