Watch: 2014 Top 10 Defensive Moments

March 11, 2015

EAST LANSING, Mich. - As the Michigan State football team prepares for spring practice to begin on March 24, relive some of the top moments from the 2014 season. In the second installment, msuspartans.com counts down the top 10 defensive moments of the year.

2014 - TOP 10 DEFENSIVE MOMENTS OF THE YEAR

1. Michigan State records two sacks and an interception in the final series of the Cotton Bowl Classic to cap its 20-point comeback win over Baylor.

2. The Spartans finish the season ranked No. 1 in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision in rushing defense (88.5 ypg.).

3. First-team All-American safety Kurtis Drummond becomes the second Spartan in a row to be named the Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year.

4. Marcus Rush sets MSU's all-time career starts record at Maryland and also collects two sacks against the Terrapins. Rush finished his career with 53 starts.

5. Trae Waynes ties a career high with two interceptions in the win over Nebraska, including one with 30 seconds left in the game that seals the victory for MSU.

6. RJ Williamson returns interceptions for touchdowns in the victories over Michigan and Maryland.

7. Taiwan Jones is named the Spartan Defensive Player of the Week after registering eight tackles, including two for losses (8 yards) and an 8-yard sack, along with his first career interception, in the 35-11 win over Michigan.

8. Darien Harris picks off a pass late in the fourth quarter and returns it 15 yards for a touchdown to ice the game at Purdue.

9. Ed Davis forces an Ameer Abdullah fumble at the Spartan 8-yard line to prevent a Nebraska touchdown, and Shilique Calhoun scoops up the ball and returns it 38 yards to swing the momentum MSU's way during the Spartans' win in the Big Ten opener.

10. A dominating defensive performance at Penn State helps Michigan State record double-digit wins for the fourth time in five seasons.