For the first time since 2019, Michigan State has surrendered the Paul Bunyan Trophy.
Michigan State’s offense struggled to get anything going in the second half as Michigan pulled away for a convincing rivalry victory, 29-7. It was the first time Jim Harbaugh beat Mel Tucker since he took over as the Spartans’ head coach, with Tucker winning the first two rivalry matchups.
It was a tightly contested first half with the Spartans taking an early 7-3 lead over the Wolverines on a Keon Coleman touchdown. Michigan quickly responded with a touchdown of their own to regain the lead. Michigan State drove down the field looking to jump ahead again but was stopped on a fourth-and-short play and from that point on Michigan State struggled to get anything going offensively.
Michigan held a 13-7 advantage going into halftime. The Wolverines would only build onto that lead with Michigan State’s offense sputtering in the second half.
Michigan outgained Michigan State 443 to 252 in total yards and picked up 26 first downs to only 11 for the Spartans. Michigan dominated on the ground — which generally determines who wins this rivalry game — with a massive advantage of 276 to 23 yards.
The two bright spots for the Spartans in this tough rivalry outcome was the defense holding Michigan to five field goals and Coleman finishing with 155 receiving yards and one touchdown. It was otherwise a very disappointing evening for Michigan State.
The Spartans will look to rebound against another ranked foe next at Illinois. Michigan State will enter that matchup at 3-5 on the year and 1-4 in conference play.
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