Michigan football defeated Michigan State for the third consecutive year, securing the Paul Bunyan Trophy with a 24-17 victory in a closely contested in-state rivalry matchup. This win brings Michigan to a 5-3 record, just one victory shy of bowl eligibility, while Michigan State falls to 4-4. Both teams entered the game at 4-3, with Michigan rebounding from a previous loss to Illinois and Michigan State coming off a win over Iowa.
Mi State vs Michigan football score today: Recap in Wolverines’ 24-17 win: The win marks Sherrone Moore’s first victory in the rivalry as head coach of Michigan, while Jonathan Smith experienced his first loss in the matchup as head coach for Michigan State. Michigan led 24-17 in the fourth quarter. Despite Michigan State outgaining the Wolverines and holding the ball for an additional 10 minutes in the first half, a late fumble by Aidan Chiles set Michigan up for a field goal that proved pivotal. Michigan State initially led 7-0 after the first quarter, but Michigan responded and held off the Spartans to seize the lead.
In the second half, Michigan capitalized on an Alex Orji touchdown run and a trick play, with Donovan Edwards throwing a touchdown pass to Colston Loveland, widening the lead to two touchdowns. MSU answered with a touchdown by Nick Marsh, pulling within seven points. The Spartans had one final opportunity with two minutes remaining but were unable to convert on a fourth down as Michigan’s defense held strong.
Where to watch Michigan vs Michigan State football streaming free today; TV: The victory breaks Michigan’s first losing streak since 2020, which included challenging road losses to Washington and Illinois. Davis Warren returned as Michigan’s starting quarterback, managing 123 passing yards with no turnovers, helping guide the Wolverines to the win. Michigan State missed an early field goal and fumbled before halftime, allowing Michigan to convert the turnover into a field goal.
For coverage, tune in to the Big Ten Network or stream on Fubo. Michigan entered the game as a 4½-point favorite, per BetMGM.
Game Highlights:
- 4Q, 1:52 – Michigan secures the ball after Aidan Chiles’ incomplete pass on a critical fourth down.
- 4Q, 2:00 – MSU, trailing by a touchdown, fails to score on fourth-and-5 from Michigan’s 21.
- 4Q, 6:12 – MSU narrows the score with a 20-yard TD pass to Nick Marsh.
- 4Q, 13:20 – Donovan Edwards’ trick play pass to Colston Loveland extends Michigan’s lead.
- 3Q, 3:45 – MSU’s Jonathan Kim makes a 46-yard field goal, trimming Michigan’s lead to 16-10.
- 3Q, 9:49 – Alex Orji’s touchdown run boosts Michigan’s lead to 16-7.
- Halftime – Michigan ends the half with a field goal after a forced fumble.
- 2Q, 0:29 – Michigan scores a TD but botches the extra point, making it 7-6 MSU.
- 1Q, 0:10 – Nate Carter’s 2-yard touchdown run gives MSU an early 7-0 lead.
Both teams will meet again at Michigan Stadium on October 26 at 7:30 p.m. ET, available on BTN. Michigan remains the favorite at -200, with a 40½-point over/under.
