Georgia entered the game with a 10–3 record as the SEC East Division champion. In the 2011 SEC Championship Game, Georgia lost to LSU 10–42. The Bulldog's defense entered the game ranked 3rd in the FBS in totals yards allowed, allowing only 268.5 yards per game.[3]
Michigan State entered the game with a 10–3 record as the Big Ten's Legends Division champion. In the 2011 Big Ten Football Championship Game, MSU lost to Wisconsin 39–42. The Spartan's defense entered the game ranked 5th in the FBS in total yards allowed, allowing only 272.7 yards per game. MSU also entered having lost 5 straight bowl games. The Spartan's last bowl win was the 2001 Silicon Valley Football Classic, where the Spartans beat the Fresno State Bulldogs 44–35.[3]
Game summary
The Bulldogs scored first when Brandon Boykin tackled Keshawn Martin in the end zone for a safety. On the ensuing drive, the Bulldogs drove to MSU's 5-yard line. However, on a 4th-and-1 play at the 5-yard line, UGA's Ken Malcome was stopped for a 1-yard loss, turning the ball over to MSU. The rest of the 1st quarter remained scoreless.[1][4][5]
In the 2nd quarter, UGA scored on an 80-yard touchdown pass to Tavarres King to go up 9–0. On the ensuing drive, the Bulldog defense forced the Spartans to punt. UGA's Brandon Boykin returned the punt 92 yards to go up 16–0 at the end of the half.[1][4][5]
The Spartans finally got on board in the 3rd quarter on an 8-yard Le'Veon Bell touchdown run to cut the deficit 16–8 after a two-point conversion. MSU closed the gap even further when Darqueze Dennard intercepted Aaron Murray 38 yards for a touchdown. The two-point conversion attempt failed, making it 16–14 going into the 4th quarter.[1][4][5]
Taking advantage of an interception, Georgia extended their lead 19–14 in the 4th quarter on a 32-yard field goal from Blair Walsh. The Spartans took the lead on a 7-yard touchdown pass to Keith Nichol to make it 20–19 after a failed two-point conversion. Georgia responded with a 13-yard touchdown pass to Brandon Boykin to go up 27–20 after making a two-point conversion. On the ensuing drive, Jonathan Jenkins intercepted Kirk Cousins with only 3:56 left in regulation. However, Georgia was unable to run out the game clock and punted the ball away. With 85-yards to go, no timeouts and only 1 minute and 55 seconds left in regulation, Michigan State was able to tie the game 27–27 on a 1-yard touchdown run from Le'Veon Bell with only 14 seconds left in the game, forcing overtime.[1][4][5]
Michigan State was on offense first in the 1st overtime period. The Spartan's offensive possession end when Kirk Cousins' pass was intercepted by Bacarri Rambo. UGA's Blair Walsh, however, missed a game winning 42-yard field, forcing a 2nd overtime period. Michigan State and Georgia both traded field goals to go into the 3rd overtime period tied 30–30. In the 3rd overtime period, MSU's Dan Conroy kicked a 28-yard field goal to go ahead 33–30. Georgia attempted to force a 4th overtime on a 47-yard field goal attempt from Blair Walsh. However, Walsh's kick was blocked, sealing the victory for Michigan State.[1][4][5]
Georgia cornerback Brandon Boykin was named game MVP for scoring on offense, defense and special teams.[6] Several Outback Bowl records were broken in the 2012 game, including longest punt return for a touchdown (Boykin's 92-yard punt return) and receiving touchdown (Tavarres King's 80-yard touchdown reception).[7]
