Lansing Sun

Saturday marked the 117th meeting between Michigan State and Michigan, with the Wolverines leading the all-time series 74-38-5. Since 1999, Michigan holds a two-game edge at 14-12. The winner of this game has been awarded the Paul Bunyan Trophy since 1953, a tradition started by then-Governor G. Mennen Williams to commemorate Michigan State's entry into the Big Ten. In this period, Michigan leads the series 41-29-2.

Michigan State's offense featured six different rushers, including five on their opening drive, resulting in out-gaining Michigan on the ground with 163 yards to Michigan's 119. This marked only the seventh time in 55 games that a more productive ground attack did not lead to victory for MSU. The Spartans have now rushed over 150 yards four times this season and hold a record of 3-1 when doing so.

The game was MSU's second consecutive and third overall this season scoring both rushing and passing touchdowns. Nate Carter scored his third rushing touchdown of the season during a first-quarter drive similar to their previous game's final scoring drive against Iowa. Carter ended with a season-high tying 19 carries for a season-high of 118 yards, marking his first 100-yard outing this season.

Sophomore quarterback Aidan Chiles completed 17-of-23 passes for 189 yards and one touchdown, marking his second consecutive game with a touchdown pass. Freshman wide receiver Nick Marsh caught his second touchdown pass of the season with a fourth-quarter catch-and-run for a score.

Defensively, MSU registered at least three tackles for loss in each of their eight games this season, finishing Saturday with four tackles for loss. Junior defensive back Malik Spencer recorded ten tackles while graduate linebacker Cal Haladay tied his season high with six stops.

On special teams, placekicker Jonathan Kim made a notable impact by making a field goal from 46 yards in the third quarter and going perfect on PATs. Punter Ryan Eckley returned to action after not punting in their last game against Iowa, averaging over fifty yards per punt on three attempts.