SPARTANS

2021 Peach Bowl: Michigan State 31, Pittsburgh 21

The Detroit News
Michigan State head coach Mel Tucker, Jayden Reed, who won the Peach Bowl MVP and Cal Haladay, who won the Peach Bowl Defensive Player of the Game pose with the Peach Bowl Trophy. Michigan State University and Pitt in the 2021 Peach Bowl at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on December 30, 2021.
Michigan State head coach Mel Tucker, Jayden Reed, who won the Peach Bowl MVP and Cal Haladay, who won the Peach Bowl Defensive Player of the Game pose with the Peach Bowl Trophy. Michigan State University and Pitt in the 2021 Peach Bowl at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on December 30, 2021.
Daniel Mears, Detroit News
Michigan State wide receiver Jayden Reed hangs onto a touchdown reception over Pitt's M.J. Devonshire in the fourth quarter.
Michigan State wide receiver Jayden Reed hangs onto a touchdown reception over Pitt's M.J. Devonshire in the fourth quarter.
Daniel Mears, Detroit News
Michigan State's Jayden Reed (1), Connor Heyward and Jalen Nailor (8) celebrate Reed's long touchdown reception in the first quarter. Michigan State University and Pitt in the 2021 Peach Bowl at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on December 30, 2021.
Michigan State's Jayden Reed (1), Connor Heyward and Jalen Nailor (8) celebrate Reed's long touchdown reception in the first quarter. Michigan State University and Pitt in the 2021 Peach Bowl at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on December 30, 2021.
Daniel Mears, Detroit News
Michigan State quarterback Payton Thorne slaps hands with Spartan fans still in the building after the MSU Peach Bowl victory.
Michigan State quarterback Payton Thorne slaps hands with Spartan fans still in the building after the MSU Peach Bowl victory.
Daniel Mears, Detroit News
Michigan State's Cal Haladay, who won the Peach Bowl defensive player of the game, poses with the Peach Bowl trophy after the victory over Pitt.
Michigan State's Cal Haladay, who won the Peach Bowl defensive player of the game, poses with the Peach Bowl trophy after the victory over Pitt.
Daniel Mears, Detroit News
MSU head coach Mel Tucker points up to the Spartan fans still in Mercedes Benz Stadium after beating Pitt in the Peach Bowl.
MSU head coach Mel Tucker points up to the Spartan fans still in Mercedes Benz Stadium after beating Pitt in the Peach Bowl.
Daniel Mears, Detroit News
Michigan State's Maliq Carr (6) breaks free of the grasp of Pitt's Erick Hallett II on a run in the first quarter.
Michigan State's Maliq Carr (6) breaks free of the grasp of Pitt's Erick Hallett II on a run in the first quarter.
Daniel Mears, Detroit News
Michigan State's Harold Joiner is brought down by Pitt's Erick Hallett II, but no facemask penalty is called in the first quarter.
Michigan State's Harold Joiner is brought down by Pitt's Erick Hallett II, but no facemask penalty is called in the first quarter.
Daniel Mears, Detroit News
Michigan State head coach Mel Tucker calls out to his players in the first quarter.
Michigan State head coach Mel Tucker calls out to his players in the first quarter.
Daniel Mears, Detroit News
Pitt quarterback Nick Patti goes down with Michigan State's Marqui Lowery in the first quarter.
Pitt quarterback Nick Patti goes down with Michigan State's Marqui Lowery in the first quarter.
Daniel Mears, Detroit News
Pitt's Vincent Davis is hammered by Michigan State's Matt Allen and Jeff Piertowski in the first quarter.
Pitt's Vincent Davis is hammered by Michigan State's Matt Allen and Jeff Piertowski in the first quarter.
Daniel Mears, Detroit News
Michigan State's Noah Harvey knocks the ball out of Pitt's Lucas Krull for an incompletion in the end zone in the first quarter.
Michigan State's Noah Harvey knocks the ball out of Pitt's Lucas Krull for an incompletion in the end zone in the first quarter.
Daniel Mears, Detroit News
Michigan State’s Jalen Nailor heads up field after bringing in a one-handed reception in front of Pitt’s Brandon Hill in the second quarter.
Michigan State’s Jalen Nailor heads up field after bringing in a one-handed reception in front of Pitt’s Brandon Hill in the second quarter.
Daniel Mears, Detroit News
Michigan State’s Payton Thorne is bought down by Pitt’s David Geen and SirVocea in the third quarter.
Michigan State’s Payton Thorne is bought down by Pitt’s David Geen and SirVocea in the third quarter.
Daniel Mears, Detroit News
Michigan State quarterback Payton Thorne breaks out of the pocket and picks up a first down in the first quarter.
Michigan State quarterback Payton Thorne breaks out of the pocket and picks up a first down in the first quarter.
Daniel Mears, Detroit News
Michigan State's Jayden Reed (1), Connor Heyward and Jalen Nailor (8) celebrate Reed's long touchdown reception in the first quarter.
Michigan State's Jayden Reed (1), Connor Heyward and Jalen Nailor (8) celebrate Reed's long touchdown reception in the first quarter.
Daniel Mears, Detroit News
Michigan State’s Jayden Reed pulls down a long touchdown reception in front of Pitt’s A.J. Woods on State’s first drive in the first quarter.
Michigan State’s Jayden Reed pulls down a long touchdown reception in front of Pitt’s A.J. Woods on State’s first drive in the first quarter.
Daniel Mears, Detroit News
Michigan State's Jayden Reed pulls down a long touchdown reception in front of Pitt's A.J. Woods on State's first drive in the first quarter.
Michigan State's Jayden Reed pulls down a long touchdown reception in front of Pitt's A.J. Woods on State's first drive in the first quarter.
Daniel Mears, Detroit News
Michigan State's Jayden Reed (1), Connor Heyward and Jalen Nailor (8) celebrate Reed's long touchdown reception in the first quarter. Michigan State University and Pitt in the 2021 Peach Bowl at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on December 30, 2021.
Michigan State's Jayden Reed (1), Connor Heyward and Jalen Nailor (8) celebrate Reed's long touchdown reception in the first quarter. Michigan State University and Pitt in the 2021 Peach Bowl at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on December 30, 2021.
Daniel Mears, Detroit News
Michigan State's Jalen Nailor readies for a reception over Pitt's A.J. Woods but loses it when he hits the ground for an incompletion in the third quarter.
Michigan State's Jalen Nailor readies for a reception over Pitt's A.J. Woods but loses it when he hits the ground for an incompletion in the third quarter.
Daniel Mears, Detroit News
Michigan State's Simeon Barrow and Jacob Panasiuk bring down Pitt quarterback Davis Beville in the third quarter.
Michigan State's Simeon Barrow and Jacob Panasiuk bring down Pitt quarterback Davis Beville in the third quarter.
Daniel Mears, Detroit News
Michigan State's Jalen Nailor brings in a one-handed reception in front of Pitt's Brandon Hill in the second quarter.
Michigan State's Jalen Nailor brings in a one-handed reception in front of Pitt's Brandon Hill in the second quarter.
Daniel Mears, Detroit News
Neither Pitt's Erick Hallett II or Michigan State's Tre Mosley could catch up to a pass in the fourth quarter.
Neither Pitt's Erick Hallett II or Michigan State's Tre Mosley could catch up to a pass in the fourth quarter.
Daniel Mears, Detroit News
Michigan State’s Brandon Wright sacks Pitt quarterback Davis Beville in the second quarter.
Michigan State’s Brandon Wright sacks Pitt quarterback Davis Beville in the second quarter.
Daniel Mears, Detroit News
Michigan State's BrandonWright ends up on his head as Pitt quarterback Davis Beville is sacked in the fourth quarter.
Michigan State's BrandonWright ends up on his head as Pitt quarterback Davis Beville is sacked in the fourth quarter.
Daniel Mears, Detroit News
Michigan State wide receiver Jayden Reed hangs onto a touchdown reception over Pitt's M.J. Devonshire in the fourth quarter.
Michigan State wide receiver Jayden Reed hangs onto a touchdown reception over Pitt's M.J. Devonshire in the fourth quarter.
Daniel Mears, Detroit News
Michigan State wide receiver Jayden Reed hangs onto a touchdown reception over Pitt's M.J. Devonshire in the fourth quarter.
Michigan State wide receiver Jayden Reed hangs onto a touchdown reception over Pitt's M.J. Devonshire in the fourth quarter.
Daniel Mears, Detroit News
Michigan State wide receiver Jayden Reed hangs onto a touchdown reception over Pitt’s M.J. Devonshire in the fourth quarter.
Michigan State wide receiver Jayden Reed hangs onto a touchdown reception over Pitt’s M.J. Devonshire in the fourth quarter.
Daniel Mears, Detroit News
Pitt's John Morgan III and Calijah Kancey hit Michigan State quarterback Payton Thorne, forcing the turnover that Chase Pine recovers and takes into the end zone for a touchdown in the third quarter.
Pitt's John Morgan III and Calijah Kancey hit Michigan State quarterback Payton Thorne, forcing the turnover that Chase Pine recovers and takes into the end zone for a touchdown in the third quarter.
Daniel Mears, Detroit News
Michigan’s Maliq Carr rolls over Pitt’s Erick Hallett II on fourth down, picking up a first down in the fourth quarter.
Michigan’s Maliq Carr rolls over Pitt’s Erick Hallett II on fourth down, picking up a first down in the fourth quarter.
Daniel Mears, Detroit News
Michigan State's Cal Haladay intercepts a pass intended for Pitt's Jordan Addison and takes it all the way into the end zone for a touchdown with under a minute left on the clock in the fourth quarter.
Michigan State's Cal Haladay intercepts a pass intended for Pitt's Jordan Addison and takes it all the way into the end zone for a touchdown with under a minute left on the clock in the fourth quarter.
Daniel Mears, Detroit News
Michigan State's Cal Haladay intercepts a pass intended for Pitt's Jordan Addison and takes it all the way into the end zone for a touchdown with under a minute left on the clock in the fourth quarter.
Michigan State's Cal Haladay intercepts a pass intended for Pitt's Jordan Addison and takes it all the way into the end zone for a touchdown with under a minute left on the clock in the fourth quarter.
Daniel Mears, Detroit News
Michigan State's Cal Haladay is all smiles after taking an interception of Pitt quarterback Davis Beville's pass and taking it all the way home for a touchdown with under a minute left on the clock in the fourth quarter.
Michigan State's Cal Haladay is all smiles after taking an interception of Pitt quarterback Davis Beville's pass and taking it all the way home for a touchdown with under a minute left on the clock in the fourth quarter.
Daniel Mears, Detroit News
Michigan State’s Cal Haladay is all smiles after intercepting a pass from Pitt quarterback Davis Beville and taking it in for a touchdown with under a minute left in the game.
Michigan State’s Cal Haladay is all smiles after intercepting a pass from Pitt quarterback Davis Beville and taking it in for a touchdown with under a minute left in the game.
Daniel Mears, Detroit News
Michigan State's Jayden Reed, who won the Peach Bowl MVP and Cal Haladay, who won the Peach Bowl Defensive Player of the Game pose with the Peach Bowl Trophy.
Michigan State's Jayden Reed, who won the Peach Bowl MVP and Cal Haladay, who won the Peach Bowl Defensive Player of the Game pose with the Peach Bowl Trophy.
Daniel Mears, Detroit News
Michigan State’s Luke Campbell kisses the trophy he and his teammate pose for pictures after the Peach Bowl victory over Pitts.
Michigan State’s Luke Campbell kisses the trophy he and his teammate pose for pictures after the Peach Bowl victory over Pitts.
Daniel Mears, Detroit News
Michigan State quarterback Payton Thorne slaps hands with Spartan fans still in the building after the MSU Peach Bowl victory.
Michigan State quarterback Payton Thorne slaps hands with Spartan fans still in the building after the MSU Peach Bowl victory.
Daniel Mears, Detroit News
MSU head coach Mel Tucker bumps fists with members of the MSU marching band after the Peach Bowl victory.
MSU head coach Mel Tucker bumps fists with members of the MSU marching band after the Peach Bowl victory.
Daniel Mears, Detroit News
Michigan State head coach Mel Tucker holds the 2021 Peach Bowl trophy.
Michigan State head coach Mel Tucker holds the 2021 Peach Bowl trophy.
Daniel Mears, Detroit News
Michigan State head coach Mel Tucker with Peach Bowl MVP Jayden Reed.
Michigan State head coach Mel Tucker with Peach Bowl MVP Jayden Reed.
Daniel Mears, Detroit News
MSU head coach Mel Tucker waves to the Spartan fans still in Mercedes Benz Stadium after beating Pitt in the Peach Bowl. Michigan State University and Pitt in the 2021 Peach Bowl at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on December 30, 2021. (Image by Daniel Mears/ The Detroit News)
MSU head coach Mel Tucker waves to the Spartan fans still in Mercedes Benz Stadium after beating Pitt in the Peach Bowl. Michigan State University and Pitt in the 2021 Peach Bowl at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia on December 30, 2021. (Image by Daniel Mears/ The Detroit News)
Daniel Mears, Detroit News
MSU players pose for pictures after winning the 2021 Peach Bowl over Pitt.
MSU players pose for pictures after winning the 2021 Peach Bowl over Pitt.
Daniel Mears, Detroit News
Michigan State wide receiver Jayden Reed and quarterback Payton Thorne celebrate Reed's touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Michigan State wide receiver Jayden Reed and quarterback Payton Thorne celebrate Reed's touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Daniel Mears, Detroit News
Michigan State quarterback Payton Thorne and Jalen Nailor celebrate Nailor's two-point conversion in the fourth quarter.
Michigan State quarterback Payton Thorne and Jalen Nailor celebrate Nailor's two-point conversion in the fourth quarter.
Daniel Mears, Detroit News
Head coach Mel Tucker and the Michigan State football team make their way through the smoke during introductions before the game.
Head coach Mel Tucker and the Michigan State football team make their way through the smoke during introductions before the game.
Daniel Mears, Detroit News
Michigan State players make their way onto the field at Mercedes Benz Stadium before the Peach Bowl against Pitt.
Michigan State players make their way onto the field at Mercedes Benz Stadium before the Peach Bowl against Pitt.
Daniel Mears, Detroit News
Michigan State marching band members watch as the roof at Mercedes-Benz Stadium opens before the 2021 Peach Bowl.
Michigan State marching band members watch as the roof at Mercedes-Benz Stadium opens before the 2021 Peach Bowl.
Daniel Mears, Detroit News
Michigan State head coach Mel Tucker arrives at Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the 2021 Peach Bowl against Pitt.
Michigan State head coach Mel Tucker arrives at Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the 2021 Peach Bowl against Pitt.
Daniel Mears, Detroit News
Michigan State quarterback Payton Thorne throws during warmups.
Michigan State quarterback Payton Thorne throws during warmups.
Daniel Mears, Detroit News
Former Michigan State football coach Mark Dantonio on the field during warmups.
Former Michigan State football coach Mark Dantonio on the field during warmups.
Daniel Mears, Detroit News
Michigan State’s Jalen Nailor gets a top on the helmet by head coach Mel Tucker on the field during warmups.
Michigan State’s Jalen Nailor gets a top on the helmet by head coach Mel Tucker on the field during warmups.
Daniel Mears, Detroit News
Michigan State kicker Matt Coghlin during warmups.
Michigan State kicker Matt Coghlin during warmups.
Daniel Mears, Detroit News
Masked MSU fans in the stands at Mercedes-Benz Stadium Atlanta.
Masked MSU fans in the stands at Mercedes-Benz Stadium Atlanta.
Daniel Mears, Detroit News
Michigan State's Jayden Reed makes his way onto the field at Mercedes Benz Stadium before the start of the Peach Bowl against Pitt in Atlanta, Georgia on December 30, 2021.
Michigan State's Jayden Reed makes his way onto the field at Mercedes Benz Stadium before the start of the Peach Bowl against Pitt in Atlanta, Georgia on December 30, 2021.
Daniel Mears, Detroit News
MSU head coach Mel Tucker makes his way onto the field for the Peach Bowl in Atlanta.
MSU head coach Mel Tucker makes his way onto the field for the Peach Bowl in Atlanta.
Daniel Mears, Detroit News
Michigan State wide receiver Jalen Nailor walks onto the field after arriving at the Mercedes Benz Stadium before the Peach Bowl against Pitt.
Michigan State wide receiver Jalen Nailor walks onto the field after arriving at the Mercedes Benz Stadium before the Peach Bowl against Pitt.
Daniel Mears, Detroit News