As most people remember — or are trying to forget — Penn State did not do so well against Michigan State last season on the football field. While the men’s hockey team defeated the Spartans on the ice, for some a hockey win couldn’t fully erase the shame.

Students, faculty, and members of the community gave Nittany Nation a win to hang its collective hat on — and for a good cause.

After falling in an early hole, Penn State came back to defeat Michigan State 992-954 in units of blood in this year’s annual Blood Drive Challenge . A late push led by the Student Nurses Association of Pennsylvania (SNAP) bolstered the total. SNAP collected 105 units of blood on the Monday of the last week of the challenge, leading to increased momentum for the blood drive and an ultimate comeback win against Sparty. Those 105 units exceeded the Red Cross’ goal by 15 units.

The win gives Penn State a 14-8 advantage in the competition since its inception. The challenge transcends competition, however, contributing tens of thousands of blood donations since 1994, when it all began. Despite a recent downturn in participation in the challenge, Penn State remains one of the biggest blood drive programs in the country.

James Franklin and Co. couldn’t quite beat Michigan State on the football field, but in the end Penn State scored the larger victory to help save lives. Take that, Sparty.