Michigan State Spartans quarterback Payton Thorne is tackled by Michigan Wolverines defensive back Daxton Hill (30) and linebacker Josh Ross (12) during the second half Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021 at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. Kirthmon F. Dozier / USA TODAY NETWORK

Decade of Matchups: MSU's Victories Against Michigan Reviewed

Originally posted on Michigan State Spartans on SI
By Nathan Berry | Last updated Sep 29, 2025 11:00 AM ET

Rivalry games are the foundation on which many college football seasons come to fruition, and the same remains true for the Michigan State Spartans in 2025's week 9 with the Battle For The Paul Bunyan Trophy against the Michigan Wolverines.

History also matters greatly with rivals, having long-time records and dozens of games played in a passionate war for both fans and players, much more than the already important history between week-to-week opponents.

With that in mind, how has MSU done against its biggest rivals in the Wolverines over the past decade, and when have they added to their record?

The Exciting Victories

Unfortunately for the Spartans, Michigan has gotten the better of the two teams in the past ten years, having handed MSU six losses, but still allowing four wins, making their record in the past decade 4-6.

However, when it comes to the games that MSU has won, each match has been a thrilling nail-biter, with the largest margin of victory being an exhilarating four points.

Their closest match comes in at one point less, taking place in 2020 when the team was led by quarterback Rocky Lombardi and wide receiver Ricky White III.

In that game, both teams scored an average of six to seven points a quarter in a dead heat, but the Wolverines lost because of a lone field goal in the second quarter compared to the touchdown that MSU had received.

Back Then Compared To Now

Because the wins for MSU have all been extremely close in past years, that raises the question regarding whether or not the Spartans will be able to completely control the game or if they will be forced to go blow-for-blow.

However, even though he is very talented, the Michigan offense is led by true-freshman Bryce Underwood, and having not faced a rivalry as big as this one before, the Spartans have a chance to rally around his weaknesses and make him fold under the pressure.

Nothing is guaranteed, but because of MSU's extreme offensive capabilities, which could lead to a win similar to 2021's 37-33 victory, it's clear that the Paul Bunyan Trophy could very well be heading to East Lansing this year among other trophies.

This article first appeared on Michigan State Spartans on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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