Michigan State defeats Michigan 15-6 to regain Paul Bunyan Trophy

Michigan State kicker Llam Boyd converted five field goals to secure a 15-6 victory over Michigan on Saturday, Nov. 7, at Michigan Stadium. The result ended a four-game losing streak for the Spartans in the rivalry and restored the Paul Bunyan Trophy to East Lansing for the first time since 2022. The win improved Michigan State’s all-time record against Michigan to 75-39-5, including a 42-30-2 mark in games specifically contested for the trophy.

The Wolverines struggled to generate offense throughout the contest. Freshman quarterback Tommy Carr completed five of his eight passes in the first half for 38 yards. Michigan managed only 78 total yards in the first half and finished the third quarter with just 111 yards. The offense was held to 134 total yards for the entire game. Carr threw two interceptions, one in the first quarter to Devin Vaught and another in the fourth quarter to NiJhay Burt. Michigan also fumbled the ball twice, with Bryson Kuzdzal and Andrew Marsh both losing possession.

Head coach Pat Fitzgerald said his team was ready to play, citing the defensive effort that produced four turnovers. The Spartans recorded five sacks, with John Henry Daley and Trey Lisle among the defenders who pressured Carr. Michigan State’s defense also broke up two passes intended for Kenneth Williams, including a deep throw on the right sideline that Chris Bracy intercepted. The Wolverines’ only score came on a field goal, while the Spartans relied entirely on Boyd’s kicking to build the margin of victory.

The rivalry dates to 1953, when then-Michigan Gov. G. Mennen Williams introduced the Paul Bunyan Trophy. Michigan State won the inaugural contest that year by a score of 14-6. The current losing streak for Michigan ended Saturday after four consecutive defeats. The previous longest losing streak for the Wolverines in this series spanned six games from 2002 to 2007. The 74th meeting for the trophy marked the first time Michigan State has reclaimed the item since losing it in 2022.

Michigan State enters the final stretch of the season with a 3-6 overall record and a 1-5 mark in Big Ten play. Michigan falls to 5-4 on the season and 3-3 in the conference. The Wolverines will host Ohio State next week to continue their conference schedule. The Spartans will face Penn State in their next road game. Both teams are positioned to impact their respective division standings in the final two weeks of the regular season.

The game featured several key plays that shaped the outcome. Michigan State’s defense stopped a fourth-down attempt by the Wolverines after a 16-yard run by Bryson Kuzdzal. The Spartans also capitalized on a blocked punt by Cameron Brown in the second quarter, which gave them possession near midfield. Michigan’s offense never advanced past the 40-yard line on two of its three drives in the second half. The final score reflected the disparity in scoring opportunities, with neither team recording a touchdown.