"To win two top-five games in a row is huge. Obviously, to keep the Big Bear is massive,” said Rensing. “This senior class has had it all four years, that’s something to be proud of."

The Spartans dominated possession from the opening kickoff, content with keeping the ball in the back line and setting the tempo of the game. They used this possession well, slowly chiseling away at the Wolverine defense to create opportunities in the attack, most coming from set pieces and crosses.

Tactically, Rensing put together a perfect lineup to counter this high-powered Michigan side, nullifying it defensively as goalkeeper Zac Kelly and his back line kept them in check. The defensive masterclass allowed them to be very comfortable throughout the game and force the Wolverines to chase and play the way MSU wanted.

MSU was the clear better side throughout the first 45, holding a really strong Michigan attack to limited opportunities on goal apart from a few crosses that were confidently claimed by Kelly and an early goal that would be taken away for offsides. The Spartans were dangerous on the attack, making life difficult for goalkeeper Isaiah Howard and his defense, forcing him to make a number of saves to keep the game level at 0-0 going into half. 

But there was still a second half to be played, and the Spartans carried their momentum into the second half, earning a penalty after a gritty play from Peter Soudan, who was tripped up by the keeper while tracking down a pass from Chimnosoh Okeke that caused some confusion for the Wolverine defense. Miles Merritt took the penalty and confidently converted, putting it into the bottom right corner and sending Howard the wrong way. The goal gave MSU a huge lead and was Merritt's first goal against rival Michigan just five minutes into the half.

"This is the biggest rivalry I’ve ever played in my whole life," said Merritt. "It’s just good to get this experience, learn and play a great team." 

The Spartans once again faced a familiar issue — conceding shortly after taking the lead. Just five minutes later, Michigan equalized. A short corner was played and crossed into the MSU box, where it found the feet of Michael Ramirez. His shot took a heavy deflection, leaving goalkeeper Kelly helpless. The goal was officially ruled an own goal.

Freshman super sub Okeke did what he does best, causing trouble for the opposition back line as he played a perfect ball down the right wing and centered it to forward Richie Ludwig, who would fire a shot low through the legs of two Michigan defenders into the bottom right corner, giving Howard no chance of saving it. Ludwig nets his second goal of the season in the 63rd minute, and it could not have come at a better time for his team.

The MSU defense would be put to the test for the second game in a row against a strong team, having to hold on to a narrow one-goal lead while Michigan threw everything they had at them. 

Rensing subbed on an extra defender in Charlie Norkett, switching his formation to a back five built to contain the Wolverine attack and maintain their advantage, which they did holding their 2-1 lead in a rivalry upset win.

"It feels amazing, man. There’s a lot of history behind it, and honestly, I'm not really sure what to think right now,” said Merritt. "I’m just really happy with the guys' performance and we stuck together.”

After a somewhat uneventful first half, both teams exploded in the second half offensively, turning the game into a three-goal thriller, where the Spartans celebrated with their fans and left with the win. MSU got their first win against the Wolverines in Ann Arbor since 2017 and their 15th win since 2000, when the Big Bear trophy was introduced.

MSU will have a full week of rest before hosting Penn State at DeMartin Stadium on Oct. 3 at 5 p.m.