The Michigan State Spartans defeated the Michigan Wolverines 15-6 on November 7, 2026, at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, delivering a major upset in one of college football’s fiercest rivalries. Michigan State relied on five field goals from Liam Boyd, a dominant defensive performance and four forced turnovers to secure its first victory over Michigan since 2021.
The result of MI State vs Michigan gives the Spartans the Paul Bunyan Trophy and marks an important milestone for first-year head coach Pat Fitzgerald. Meanwhile, Michigan suffered another frustrating defeat as its offense struggled to find consistency throughout the rivalry matchup.
The Spartans improved to 3-6 overall and 1-5 in Big Ten play, while Michigan dropped to 5-4 overall and 2-4 in the conference.
Michigan State vs Michigan Score: Final Result
Michigan State controlled the game defensively and prevented Michigan from scoring until the fourth quarter.
| Team | 1Q | 2Q | 3Q | 4Q | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan State | 0 | 6 | 3 | 6 | 15 |
| Michigan | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 6 |
The Michigan football score reflected the Spartans’ defensive control. Michigan State did not score a touchdown but converted five field-goal attempts to build its winning total.
Michigan finally reached the scoreboard with a fourth-quarter touchdown, but its failed two-point conversion left the Wolverines nine points behind.
How Michigan State Beat Michigan
The rivalry game started slowly, with neither team finding the end zone during the opening quarter.
Michigan State created an early opportunity after quarterback Tommy Carr threw an interception that defensive back Devin Vaught recovered. However, the Spartans failed to convert the possession into points.
Michigan also struggled offensively, and the first quarter ended 0-0.
The Spartans eventually broke the deadlock in the second quarter. Liam Boyd connected on a 21-yard field goal with 1:33 remaining before halftime.
Boyd added another field goal, this time from 37 yards, just before the break to give Michigan State a 6-0 advantage.
Michigan’s offensive problems continued after halftime. The Wolverines struggled against Michigan State’s pass rush, while the Spartans controlled possession and steadily moved the football.
A lengthy third-quarter drive ended with Boyd converting a 38-yard field goal, extending the advantage to 9-0.
Michigan State added two more field goals in the fourth quarter, including a 49-yard kick, to make the score 15-0.
Michigan finally responded when Savion Hiter scored on a one-yard rushing touchdown with 1:35 remaining. However, the Wolverines failed to complete the two-point conversion.
The final score was 15-6 in favor of Michigan State.
Liam Boyd Makes Five Field Goals
Liam Boyd was one of the biggest contributors to the Spartans’ victory.
The Michigan State kicker converted all five field-goal attempts, accounting for every point scored by the Spartans.
His successful attempts came from:
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21 yards in the second quarter.
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37 yards in the second quarter.
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38 yards in the third quarter.
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24 yards in the fourth quarter.
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49 yards in the fourth quarter.
Boyd’s performance allowed Michigan State to capitalize on its offensive possessions despite failing to score a touchdown.
Michigan State vs Michigan Match Player Stats
The Michigan State Spartans football vs Michigan Wolverines football match player stats highlight the difference between the two teams.
Quarterback statistics
| Player | Team | Passing | Yards | Interceptions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alessio Milivojevic | MSU | 21/32 | 188 | 0 |
| Tommy Carr | Michigan | 14/26 | 138 | 2 |
Alessio Milivojevic delivered a steady performance, completing 21 of 32 passes for 188 yards.
Michigan quarterback Tommy Carr finished with 138 passing yards and two interceptions. The freshman struggled to handle Michigan State’s defensive pressure.
Rushing statistics
| Player | Team | Carries | Rushing yards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brandon Tullis | MSU | 25 | 86 |
| Bryson Kuzdzal | Michigan | 9 | 49 |
Brandon Tullis led Michigan State’s rushing attack with 86 yards on 25 carries. His contributions helped the Spartans control the clock and maintain possession.
Receiving statistics
| Player | Team | Receptions | Receiving yards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chrishon McCray | MSU | 6 | 92 |
| Andrew Marsh | Michigan | 4 | 38 |
Chrishon McCray was the leading receiver in the game with 92 yards on six receptions. Andrew Marsh led Michigan with 38 receiving yards.
Defensive statistics
| Player | Team | Key statistic |
|---|---|---|
| Anelu Lafaele | MSU | 1 sack |
| John Henry Daley | Michigan | 2 sacks |
| Nikai Martinez | MSU | 7 tackles |
| Troy Bowles | Michigan | 15 tackles |
John Henry Daley recorded two sacks for Michigan, while Troy Bowles led the Wolverines with 15 tackles.
Michigan State vs Michigan Team Stats
The overall numbers demonstrate how effectively Michigan State controlled the matchup.
| Statistic | Michigan State | Michigan |
|---|---|---|
| Total yards | 298 | 192 |
| Turnovers | 0 | 4 |
| First downs | 17 | 13 |
| Third-down conversions | 9/20 | 2/10 |
| Fourth-down conversions | 0/1 | 1/1 |
| Penalties | 7-70 | 2-20 |
| Time of possession | 38:07 | 21:53 |
Michigan State finished with 298 total yards compared with Michigan’s 192.
The most important difference was turnovers. Michigan State protected the football, while Michigan committed four turnovers.
The Spartans also dominated possession, holding the ball for more than 38 minutes. That limited Michigan’s opportunities to establish an offensive rhythm.
Pat Fitzgerald Celebrates Paul Bunyan Trophy Victory
The victory was particularly important for Michigan State head coach Pat Fitzgerald.
Fitzgerald secured his first victory against Michigan as the Spartans’ head coach and helped the program end its losing streak in the rivalry.
After the game, Fitzgerald praised his players and coaching staff for their determination despite dealing with adversity and missing several important starters.
He also celebrated the return of the Paul Bunyan Trophy to East Lansing.
The trophy had not belonged to Michigan State since 2021. Its return gives Spartans supporters an important rivalry victory to celebrate.
Kyle Whittingham Faces Questions After Michigan Defeat
Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham experienced a difficult afternoon at Michigan Stadium.
The Wolverines entered the rivalry matchup with a 5-3 record but struggled to produce points against Michigan State.
Freshman quarterback Tommy Carr was intercepted twice, while Michigan’s rushing attack failed to provide enough support.
Michigan supporters expressed their frustration during the game, with boos heard before halftime.
The defeat also increased pressure on the Wolverines as they attempt to improve their position in the Big Ten standings.
The Michigan football program will need a stronger offensive performance in its remaining regular-season games.
When Was the Last Time Michigan State Beat Michigan in Football?
Michigan State’s previous victory over Michigan came in 2021.
The Spartans ended that drought with their 15-6 victory on November 7, 2026.
The result means Michigan State once again holds the Paul Bunyan Trophy, which is awarded to the winner of the annual football rivalry between the two programs.
Spartans vs Wolverines: Where to Watch
For fans searching for Spartans vs Wolverines where to watch, the November 7 rivalry game was available through Peacock.
| Game information | Details |
|---|---|
| Matchup | Michigan State vs Michigan |
| Date | November 7, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| Venue | Michigan Stadium |
| Location | Ann Arbor, Michigan |
| TV coverage | NBC Sports Network |
| Streaming | Peacock |
Fans looking for how to watch the Michigan football game today should check the official Michigan and Michigan State football schedules for upcoming broadcast information.
The game has now concluded, with Michigan State winning 15-6.
Michigan Football Schedule 2026
Michigan has several important games remaining as it looks to improve its Big Ten record.
| Week | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Western Michigan | W, 13-12 |
| 2 | Oklahoma | W, 17-10 |
| 3 | UTEP | W, 52-17 |
| 4 | Iowa | L, 20-19 |
| 5 | Minnesota | L, 20-14 |
| 6 | Bye | — |
| 7 | Penn State | W, 21-18 |
| 8 | Indiana | L, 13-6 |
| 9 | Rutgers | W, 28-21 |
| 10 | Michigan State | L, 6-15 |
| 11 | Oregon | November 14 |
| 12 | UCLA | November 21 |
| 13 | Ohio State | November 28 |
The Wolverines will next travel to face Oregon on November 14.
Michigan State Football Schedule 2026
Michigan State also has three regular-season games remaining.
| Week | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toledo | W, 30-20 |
| 2 | Eastern Michigan | W, 35-7 |
| 3 | Notre Dame | L, 27-10 |
| 4 | Nebraska | L, 31-13 |
| 5 | Wisconsin | L, 31-3 |
| 6 | Illinois | L, 38-37 (OT) |
| 7 | Northwestern | L, 24-21 |
| 8 | UCLA | L, 28-10 |
| 9 | Bye | — |
| 10 | Michigan | W, 15-6 |
| 11 | Washington | November 14 |
| 12 | Oregon | November 20 |
| 13 | Rutgers | November 28 |
The victory over Michigan gives the Spartans their first Big Ten win of the season and keeps their bowl eligibility hopes alive.
What Does the Michigan vs Michigan State Result Mean?
The Michigan vs Michigan State rivalry remains one of the most closely followed matchups in college football.
For Michigan State, the 15-6 result represents a significant achievement under Pat Fitzgerald. The Spartans demonstrated that a disciplined defensive performance and effective clock management can make a major difference in rivalry games.
For Michigan, the defeat raises questions about its offensive production and ability to compete consistently in the Big Ten.
The Wolverines must regroup before their upcoming matchup against Oregon, while Michigan State will look to build momentum against Washington.
The latest Michigan vs MSU game will be remembered for the Spartans’ defensive dominance, Liam Boyd’s five field goals and the return of the Paul Bunyan Trophy to East Lansing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who won the Michigan State vs Michigan football game?
Michigan State defeated Michigan 15-6 on November 7, 2026, at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor.
2. What was the Michigan score against Michigan State?
Michigan scored six points, losing 15-6 against Michigan State.
3. Who won the Paul Bunyan Trophy in 2026?
Michigan State won the Paul Bunyan Trophy after defeating Michigan 15-6.
4. When was the last time Michigan State beat Michigan in football?
Michigan State’s previous victory before the November 2026 game came in 2021.
5. Who was Michigan State’s quarterback?
Alessio Milivojevic started at quarterback and completed 21 of 32 passes for 188 yards.
6. How many field goals did Liam Boyd make?
Liam Boyd converted all five field-goal attempts, scoring all 15 points for Michigan State.
7. What channel was the Michigan vs Michigan State game on?
The game was listed on NBC Sports Network, with streaming available on Peacock.
8. What was Tommy Carr’s performance against Michigan State?
Tommy Carr completed 14 of 26 passes for 138 yards and threw two interceptions.
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