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Paul Bunyan

Live updates: Michigan State holds 15-0 lead late vs. Michigan

The Spartans and Wolverines kick off at 7:30 p.m. on Peacock from Michigan Stadium.

Andrew Graham

— 12 min read
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Live updates: Michigan State holds 15-0 lead late vs. Michigan
(Rachel Leggett/Mitten Football)

ANN ARBOR — Will Paul Bunyan be on the move? 

That’s the big question on Saturday night at Michigan Stadium, as Michigan (5-3, 2-3 B1G) hosts in-state rival Michigan State (2-5, 0-4 Big Ten) for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff on Peacock. 

The Spartans enter with crippling injuries, but have the silver lining of quarterback Alessio Milivojevic coming back after missing the UCLA game with an injury. 

Michigan last faced Rutgers on Halloween, giving up a season-high 21 points to a moribund Scarlet Knights offense while quarterback Tommy Carr had a promising performance, accounting for 320 total yards and three touchdowns while completing 81 percent of his passes. 

And as always, this in-state brawl is prone to produce… just that, or other such chicanery. 

It is, after all, something of a state championship. And the winner gets to give a home to Paul Bunyan for the next year. 

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Boyd makes it 15-0

MSU now leads by a two touchdowns, a PAT and a two point conversion with 4:09 to go. The Spartans have ground out a perfect offensive game plan while Michigan has shot itself in the foot at every juncture, and just flat out gotten outplayed.

It's 15-0 with 4:09 to go.

Andrew Marsh fumbles and we're done here

Michigan State will get it at the Michigan 37 after Marsh has it raked out while going down after a catch in the middle of the field.

MSU now leads the turnover margin 4-0 in this game and will win with 4:30 to play and Michigan seemingly tapped out.

It's 12-0, Spartans.

MSU kicks fourth FG, takes 12-0 lead

Liam Boyd going on the Gehrig Dieter program and drilling four field goals against the Wolverines to give his team all 12 of its points at Michigan Stadium.

The difference now vs. Western Michigan's Week 1 performance? The Wolverines getting shutout at the Michigan State defense has taken it to Jason Beck's bunch.

With 5:06 left in the game, Michigan has 115 yards of offense.

Tommy Carr takes third sack, throws up arm punt

After holding the ball too long and getting sacked on second down, Tommy Carr runs around for a bit behind the line on 3rd and 16 and fired up a prayer to Travis Johnson that is intercepted by NiJhay Burt.

Michigan is losing the turnover battle 3-0 and one of the ostensible reasons Bryce Underwood got benched is because he didn't protect the football. There has been no sign of the coaching staff considering putting him back in at quarterback.

Carr is 9-of-15 for 67 yards and two interceptions.

Michigan forces a punt from MSU

With 12:02 to go, Michigan will start at its own 8 yard line after a few negative plays backed up the Spartans. The Wolverines will need to get the offense going, and fast, to have a shot to win and, at this point, make sure its not the first time being shutout by MSU since 1967.

And Pat Fitzgerald is set to join some good ranks of Spartan coaches who beat Michigan in their first try. One such member of that club? Nick Saban.

MSU opens third quarter with chunk completion

Alessio Milivojevic stood in vs. pressure and delivered on a crosser to Chrishon McCray that went for a long run to the Michigan 39.

Michigan is absolutely lifeless in this one.

End of 3: Michigan State 9, Michigan 0

The Wolverines have reached, somehow, a new nadir of Kyle Whittingham's first year house of horrors, as Pat Fitzgerald is on the brink of salvaging a Michigan State season that was otherwise in the dumps.

Michigan has 111 yards of offense. Michigan State has 120 rushing yard, and the football with 15 minute to play and a two-score lead.

The ball is at the MSU 33 for 2nd and 10 to start the fourth quarter.

Michigan State comes up with fumble recovery

Bryson Kuzdzal broke into the second level of the defense and had it knocked out on a peanut punch and the Spartans pounced on it. Second takeaway of the night for MSU and a brutal second half continues for Michigan.

There's :01 left in the third quarter.

MSU is called for a 15 yard personal foul for leaving the bench and celebrating in the end zone, which isn't looking too material to the outcome as the 9-0 lead feels insurmountable.

Buchanan comes up with catch under review, MSU called for DPI

Buchanan made quite the toe-tap catch for a conversion and there's also defensive pass interference, which is declined. The play takes Michigan to the 50.

The catch is under review, but it'll be a first down regardless because if it's incomplete Michigan will take the DPI.

Either way, to go from what appeared to be a three-and-out to a 1st and 10 via the illegal substitution penalty review and the defensive pass interference.

After the review, the catch is incomplete, so the pass interference is enforced.

Rossi fired up as MSU comes up with apparent three and out

Jason Beck moving to the sideline has not been the answer for Michigan, as the Wolverines gained five yards in three plays and send the punt unit out.

However, the play is being reviewed for a possible illegal substitution on MSU, which would give Michigan a fresh shot at a shorter third down — though at this point, that might just be another chance for Beck and Co. to engender more animus.

After review, it was illegal substitution, so the play technically doesn't count and Michigan will have 3rd and 3.

Michigan comes up with crucial field goal hold, MSU adds field goal

Allowing a touchdown on the drive would've felt like curtains for the Wolverines, though a 9-0 margin with fewer than 18 minutes to play feels particularly difficult to overcome — which is a massive damning indictment on its own.

Liam Boyd knocks it through and he has all nine points today as MSU leads, 9-0, with 2:12 left in the third quarter. MSU has managed this game perfectly, short of finding the end zone once or twice.

Spartans over 100 rushing yards; Michigan has 100 yards total

With a three yard run by Carson Gulker, MSU went to 102 yards, with Tullis quickly tacking on nine more on a patient draw run to set up 2nd and 1.

Kenneth Williams gets the yard to keep the chains moving. It's been a thoroughly impressive opening drive to the second half for MSU, especially considering it started on the MSU 1 yard line.

All this, and Michigan has 100 yards of total offense in nearly three quarter.

MSU out to 50 on drive that started at 1 yard line

The Spartans started this drive on their own 1 yard line, and now have 1st and 10 at the Michigan 50 yard line after a chunk run by Kenneth Williams.

MSU has been the more physical team in this game, getting forward push at the line of scrimmage, particularly on offense.

Cam Brown's punt is perfect

The Michigan punter won't have many better than that, torpedoing into the turf inside the 2 yard line, back spinning, and being downed at the one after a second bounce and roll.

The Spartans now have 99 yards to go.

Jason Beck calling game from sideline in second half

The Michigan offensive coordinator is standing right next to head coach Kyle Whittingham as Michigan begins with the ball in the second half.

The Wolverines picked up one first down and have gotten to 4th and 2 at the 47 and are punting, much to the chagrin of the crowd.

Kenneth Williams, Brandon Tullis lead the charge for MSU

Tullis has 10 carries for 41 yards and got churning in the second quarter as MSU got into the game.

Williams has been a real X factor, carrying four times for 14 yards but catching a team-high four passes for 26 yards, including a nice motion to a wide split before running an in-breaker on a third down conversion, a nice design to exploit some leverage.

He also caught the third down conversion that resulted in the Troy Bowles personal foul. He's got just 40 total yards but in this game, those all count.

HALF: Michigan State 6, Michigan 0

It was a perfect half of football for Michigan State, benefitting from a series of Michigan miscues — a missed field goal, a badly-timed personal foul, a long catch and run allowed — and playing some gritty, no-nonsense football to set up a pair of Liam Boyd field goals for a 6-0 lead.

Michigan, though, drove all the way to 3rd and 1 at the MSU 6 early in the second quarter, got swarmed on that play with the rhino package on the field, settled for the field goal, and backup Jacob Baggett, in for embattled Trey Butkowski, clanged one off the left upright and Michigan spiraled from there.

The Wolverines have just 78 yards of offense at halftime, at least the third time this year Michigan failed to gain 100 yards in the first half. Tommy Carr is 5-for-9 for 38 yards with an interception and has taken two sacks. And of Michigan's 40 net rushing yards, 25 came on two runs by Bryson Kuzdzal.

Michigan is 1-for-5 on third downs, ran just 26 plays and got out possessed 17;11 to 12:49.

Liam Boyd puts MSU up 6-0 before halftime

Boyd hits from a bit further out this time, and MSU leads 6-0 as Michigan has let a half it was in complete control out spiral away.

For the Spartans, from the missed Michigan field goal onward, this has been perfect. And MSU has been playing a pitch-perfect game to pull off the upset, playing boring, mistake-free football while Michigan melts down in spots.

:05 until the half.

Dubious offensive pass interference call helps out Michigan

Chrishon McCray is called for the infraction in the end zone but the contact was minimal, to say the least. It backs MSU up to the 19 with under :20 to play to halftime.

Long catch and run take MSU into red zone

Braylon Collier came free on a crosser and marauded down to the Michigan 13 yard line. MSU got to the line quickly and ran a pass over the middle for a short gain and then took a timeout.

It looks like Chris Bracy got taken out by a bit of a natural or inadvertent pick to spring Collier.

It'll be 2nd and 6 for Michigan State with :24 to go in the half at the Michigan 9 after the stoppage.

Michigan has played a shambolic half of football despite only giving up 137 yards.

Joe Rossi frothing after MSU comes up with three and out

The MSU defensive coordinator, who coaches from the sideline, was out to the numbers after Tyran Chappell nearly intercepted Tommy Carr on first down, Anelu Lafaele sacked him on second down and then a run to Bryson Kuzdzal on third down went no where.

Rossi could barely contain himself with excited energy. MSU took timeouts to save some clock, and the punt is muffed but recovered by MSU at the 41.

Spartans have 1:03 until halftime.

MSU takes 3-0 lead on Liam Boyd field goal

Michigan State draws first blood with 1:33 until halftime, as Liam Boyd drills a chip shot field goal.

It was an impressive drive by the Spartans, but one they'd want to have paid off with a touchdown. Michigan used its timeouts to give the offense a chance with the ball before halftime, and the Wolverines will receive on the kickoff to start the second half.

Michigan forces 4th and goal

MSU ran the same play that converted the earlier third down — which also had the Troy Bowles personal foul — but Zeke Berry triggered downhill and blew up Kenneth Williams for a short loss.

It's 4th and 3 at the 3 for MSU, which sends the offense back out. 1:37 to halftime.

Turns out it's a feint to try and get an offside to get closer, but the Spartans false started and will kick a field goal — despite Kyle Whittingham declining the penalty.

Michigan is making all the mistakes

Troy Bowles makes the latest one, committing an unnecessary roughness while escorting Kenneth Williams out of bounds on a completion for a first down for Michigan State.

That sets up MSU at the Michigan 9.

Michigan's also had the interception, and missed the field goal after getting snuffed out on 3rd and 1.

MSU, while ineffective, has not put a foot wrong.

Two minute warning

Michigan might be more talented, but the Spartans appear to be playing harder. It'll be 3rd and 2 for Michigan State after the two minute stoppage, at the Michigan 31. The Spartans should be able to get a field goal out of this and take a lead shortly before halftime.

Michigan goes three and out after forcing MSU punt

Tommy Carr takes a sack after a relentless rush from safety Michael Richard and the punt from Cam Brown is not great, going out at the 50 — a 36 yard net.

Michigan's offense is not finding any consistency so far.

MSU swarms Michigan on 3rd and 1, force 4th and 2 field goal (doink!)

Michigan tried going up the middle on 3rd and 1 a the MSU 7 yard line and Savion Hiter got swarmed in the backfield for a loss of one. The pre-snap motion might've given it away, and the rhino on the field offered no assistance.

Kyle Whittingham sent out kicker Jacob Baggett, in lieu of embattled Trey Butkowski, and Baggett smoked the left upright on a very short field goal.

It remains 0-0.

Forest Hills Eastern's own Bryson Kuzdzal shining

Kuzdzal, the veteran running back, ripped off a 16 yard run to get Michigan near midfield earlier in the drive and went for nine yards on 2nd and 8, bouncing out to the left into open grass.

And it's nice for the Michigan native, out of Grand Rapids Forest Hills Eastern High School, to make a splash in this game.

End of 1: Michigan 0, Michigan State 0

There were five completed drives in that quarter and they went: Punt, interception, turnover on downs, punt, punt.

But Michigan will have 1st and 10 at the MSU 40 out of the quarter break as Tommy Carr scrambled on second down to move the sticks. The longest play of the drive for Michigan so far is a 16-yard run from Bryson Kuzdzal, a promising development for a run game that's been distressing.

It's the best drive of the day for either team, as Michigan hunts the first points when the second quarter opens. There were just 96 combined yards gained in that quarter.

Jeremiah Earby sighting as Michigan gets a stop

The new Michigan corner, signed after a 5 in 5 injunction weeks ago, played aggressive and tight man coverage on Chrishon McCray down the left side on a slightly overthrown ball from Alessio Milivojevic. Spartan bench wanted a flag, but the contact wasn't enough and the throw was a bit wide.

Earby played at Boise State in 2025 and was an all-conference honoree.

Then Milivojevic gets sacked on second down by John Henry Daley, the Spartans run on third and long and punt back to the Wolverines on 4th and 11.

Michigan takes over at the 21 after a nice Salesi Moa return is wiped out by a hold.

Wolverines punt shy of midfield

Taking over at its own 41 following MSU's turnover on downs, Michigan ran for three yards, four yards, and then Tommy Carr missed an open JJ Buchanan against zone coverage down the right side.

Michigan punts, and MSU takes over at the 10 after a fair catch.

Spartans can't cash in

MSU took it to 4th and 2 at the Michigan 41 and Pat Fitzgerald opted to keep the offense on the field. Alessio Milivojevic tried hitting a fade to Bryson Williams down the right side with Jyaire Hill in coverage, and he knocked the ball loose from Williams for an incomplete as Rod Moore also arrived in coverage.

Michigan gets the ball at the 41 after the turnover on downs.

Takeaway breathes early life into Michigan State

On the fourth play of the game for Michigan's offense, Tommy Carr puts one just a bit in front of JJ Buchanan, who reached out for catch, but instead tipped it up and into the arms of Devin Vaught down the field.

Vaught went down at the Michigan 49, so it's immediately a plus-side-of-the-field opportunity for the Spartans.

Carr had converted a third down on the play prior, rolling out to his right around a free rusher and completing a nice pass to sophomore Travis Johnson.

MSU gets a first down to start, then punts

The Spartans ran it twice with Kenneth Williams, converted a third and short with a tunnel screen to the offense's right to Samson Gash. Then another run got to 2nd and 5, bringing on a shot play to Bryson Williams down the left side, which Zeke Berry broke up in phase.

Pressure came on third down, Milivojevic barely got a throw away, and it was tipped up incomplete.

Salesi Moa is returning punts for Michigan, and he lets a good one from Rhys Dakin bounce and go out at the 11.

Michigan wins toss, defers

The Spartans called tails, which actually failed for the rare occasion. Michigan will kickoff to open and take the ball to start the second half.

Jay Hill's defense gets a chance to try and tee off early as Michigan State will try and get Alessio Milivojevic settled in.

The kick goes for a touchback and MSU starts at the 25.

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