The Game That Stood Tall: Denard Robinson's Big Ten Legacy and Tre Holloman's Bold Stance

In the grand tradition of Big Ten football, few games can evoke the same level of passion and intensity as the Michigan-Michigan State matchup. The rivalry between these two storied programs has produced some of the greatest moments in college football history, with Saturday afternoons in the Big House and Spartan Stadium often deciding the fate of conference championships and playoff berths. One game that exemplifies the enduring spirit of this rivalry is the 2013 contest between the Wolverines and Spartans, a showdown that will forever be remembered as a testament to the bold leadership of Tre Holloman and the irrepressible Denard Robinson.

For Michigan State fans, the 2013 season was a tale of redemption and resurgence. After a disastrous 2012 campaign that saw the Spartans go 6-7, coach Mark Dantonio had his team focused on a single-minded mission: return to Big Ten title contention. And with the emergence of running back Su'a Cravens and quarterback Andrew Maxwell, it seemed as though MSU had the perfect recipe for success. However, the arrival of Denard Robinson on the Michigan side of the ball threw a wrench into those plans.

Robinson, the 2011 Heisman Trophy winner and former Alabama standout, had been patiently waiting for his opportunity to wreak havoc on the Big Ten. With his blend of speed, elusiveness, and brutal hitting, he had become the complete package of a quarterback – a unique combination that made him a nightmare for defenses to prepare for. And with the presence of the Michigan defense, which was already playing with a confidence born of a dominant 2012 season, Robinson had found the perfect team to unleash his talents on.

Meanwhile, on the MSU sidelines, Tre Holloman had emerged as a key player in Dantonio's coach's quarters. As a senior linebacker, Holloman had always been known for his hard-hitting, never-say-die attitude, but it was his bold stance on the eve of the 2013 game that truly set the tone for the contest. In a pre-game press conference, Holloman proudly proclaimed that Michigan State would be the first team to beat Michigan since 2007, setting the tone for a defining moment in Big Ten history.

Denard Robinson: The Human Highlight Reel

When Denard Robinson took the field for Michigan, he was an unstoppable force of nature. A 5'10" speed demon with a cannon for an arm, he had the unique ability to change the game on any given play. Whether he was sprinting down the sideline, weaving through defenders, or spinning out of tackles, Robinson was a constant threat to the MSU defense. His athleticism was a game-changer, and he knew it – but he also knew how to harness that power to devastating effect.

Robinson's impressive stats from the 2013 game are still talked about to this day: 87 yards rushing, 93 yards passing, and 4 total touchdowns on just 20 carries. Those numbers may not seem remarkable in isolation, but they spoke to a deeper truth – that Robinson was an X-factor that Michigan State could not contain.

The Spartan Defense: An Underappreciated Effort

While Denard Robinson was undoubtedly the focal point of the game, the Michigan State defense deserves significant credit for its effort that day. Despite being a group of largely unheralded players, the Spartans held Robinson to a respectable 3.6 yards per carry and 12.4 yards per reception – not bad for a team that was looking to prove a point.

Michigan State's Tradition-Driven Defense

One of the key takeaways from the 2013 game was the importance of MSU's defense in preserving the team's tradition of excellence. For years, the Spartans had prided themselves on their ability to shut down opposing offenses, and they had the numbers to back it up. By holding Robinson to just 10 yards rushing and 15 yards receiving, Michigan State effectively kept the clock off the board and forced the Wolverines to rely on Andrew Maxwell's arm.

The Devastating Stats: By the Numbers

To put Robinson's performance into perspective, consider the following stats from the 2013 game:

• 87 yards rushing on 15 carries (5.8 yards per carry)
• 93 yards passing on 19 attempts (4.9 yards per attempt)
• 4 total touchdowns (2 rushing, 2 passing)
• 13 first downs on 27 total plays

As these numbers demonstrate, Robinson was the complete package – a dynamic threat who consistently made plays with his legs and arm.

Tre Holloman: The Bold Prodigy

Tre Holloman's bold stance on the eve of the 2013 game was just the beginning of a remarkable postseason. A senior linebacker who had always been known for his hard-hitting style, Holloman took the advice of his coach and allowed his natural instincts to guide him.

Holloman's defensive contributions that day were nothing short of spectacular, as he racked up 13 tackles and 1.5 sacks to help limit Robinson to just 87 yards rushing. But more than his individual effort, Holloman's leadership helped to set the tone for a dominant Michigan State defense.

The Multiple-Use Threat

Holloman's speed and agility made him a formidable opponent in space, allowing him to cover receivers and contribute to the Spartan pass rush. This unique combination made him a rare breed of defensive player – one who could both tackle effectively and bring pressure off the edge.

Leading by Example

Holloman's pre-game comments served as a clarion call to his teammates, a reminder that the stage was set for a defining moment in Big Ten history. And when the game tipped off, Holl