Rivalry week has returned to the state of Michigan for the 117th time as Saturday's Battle for the Paul Bunyan Trophy will be won in Ann Arbor. With both teams at 4-3 overall and 2-2 in the Big Ten, there's a lot on the line, mostly bragging rights for the next 11-12 months.
While Michigan football still has its physical, run-first identity, will play in front of over 100,000 fans at the Big House and has the last laugh in the rivalry, MSU's program enters Saturday with more momentum.
This Saturday, Oct. 26 will mark the 117th meeting between the in-state rivals. Here are some of MSU's best performances against Michigan since 2010.
Entering the 117th Battle for the Paul Bunyan Trophy this Saturday in Ann Arbor, MSU and Michigan's records are identical. But after losing 49-0 a year ago to the Wolverines at home, MSU has gained considerable momentum compared to its bitter rival, highlighted by a clear gap between each team's situation under center.
This year's battle for the Paul Bunyan trophy between MSU and University of Michigan will likely feature a more level playing field in Ann Arbor, both teams just seven games into new regimes under first-year head coaches.
MSU football freshman Marsh was awarded Big Ten Freshman of the Week Monday after catching eight passes for 113 yards. Kicker Jonathan Kim earnedBig Ten Special Teams Player of the Week honors after making six field goals, a single-game program record.
MSU football bested Iowa 32-20 on Saturday, winning in the trenches against a stout Hawkeye squad. The story of the game, however, was the response of a young quarterback who struggled through the first half of the season and faced a pivotal moment Saturday in his first season as a starter.
What shaped up to be Iowa's game to lose in the trenches became a party for a struggling MSU run game of late. The Spartans totaled 118 rushing yards to Iowa’s 28 in the first half and ended the game with a 212-133 rushing yards advantage.
Coming off three straight losses and a needed bye week, MSU football can either flip the script against Iowa Saturday or drop its fourth in a row. The Spartans are at a crossroads.
For the first quarter of the season, Spartans consistently relied on their ability to defend the rush. But over the past three games, MSU's interior defense has struggled to hold its own at the point of attack. It has been one of many reasons for the Spartans' three-game slide following a 3-0 start.
MSU football has shown its potential at times, keeping fans eager and invested. On the other hand, the Spartans have had glaring problems in many areas as they've struggled with consistency and against higher-level teams.
After three years of consistent playing time and inconsistent performances, MSU football defensive back Charles Brantley has played like the defensive cornerstone he was shaped up to be.
Here's what MSU football can look to fix and adjust in its bye week.
The Michigan State Spartans fell to 3-3 after a 31-10 loss to the Oregon Ducks, struggling offensively and failing to capitalize on defensive efforts. With ongoing red-zone issues and penalties, they look to regroup during their upcoming bye week.
A game that delivered early hope for Spartan fans quickly turned into a loud Duck party in Autzen Stadium. The first Big Ten matchup between MSU and Oregon ended as a forgetful one for the Spartans, who were outmatched by the No. 6 team in the country, 31-10.
It won't get much easier for MSU football this Friday against No. 6 Oregon. Here are the stakes and what to expect.
After returning its starting tailback and adding a 1,000-yard rusher, MSU's rushing numbers so far point to major deficiencies.
Last Saturday, the Spartans showed they belong on the field against a top team in the nation. If MSU head coach Jonathan Smith and his new-look Spartans can play their cards right, last Saturday's effort could be a prelude for MSU's road showdown with No. 6 Oregon Friday.
For MSU head coach Jonathan Smith, a showdown against the Ducks is something he's become familiar with over the past three decades.
Red zone turnovers proved costly for MSU football against No. 3 Ohio State. The Spartans gave away three potential touchdowns in the first half.