Michigan State Stuns Michigan in Ann Arbor, Wins Paul Bunyan Trophy 15-6

October 14, 1967. That was the last time the Spartans shut out the Wolverines. While Michigan State couldn't quite repeat that feat, the Spartans accomplished something just as special Saturday, taking down Michigan 15-6 in Ann Arbor.

Rivalry games always mean something different.

Michigan State came into this matchup as a two-touchdown underdog, but amidst all the adversity, the Spartans proved they were the bigger and stronger team in this in-state rivalry.

The Spartans upset Michigan on the road in a massive 15-6 victory, backed by a defense good enough to win the Alamo. This team was ready for the challenge and did everything it set out to accomplish. It didn't need to win every play. It didn't need to get into a shootout. Michigan State needed to control the time of possession and force Tommy Carr into uncomfortable situations.

And that's exactly what happened. Michigan was able to get the ball across midfield just twice the entire game.

That was the formula, and Michigan State executed it to perfection. The Spartans are bringing the Paul Bunyan Trophy back to East Lansing with a massive victory. Words may not be able to describe just how good this win feels, not only for the players but especially for head coach Pat Fitzgerald. He emphasized that every week is big, but this week meant more. That was evident on every single drive.

Let's recap the second half in case you missed it.

If you missed the first half, catch up here.

Michigan State carried a 6-0 lead into the locker room, silencing the crowd in Ann Arbor. However, it was the Wolverines who received the ball to start the second half, giving them an opportunity to recapture some momentum right out of the gate.

Michigan tried to establish its offense, but just like its first-half possessions, the Wolverines couldn't get anything going. Facing fourth-and-short, Michigan ultimately decided to punt, despite the crowd's desire to see the offense stay on the field. The punt was beautifully executed, pinning the Spartans back at their own two-yard line.

Michigan State didn't let that field position stop it. Kenneth Williams, who had been absent after taking a big hit earlier in the game, checked back in and immediately made an impact. He came up with a huge third-down reception to move the chains, helping the Spartans work their way toward midfield.

From there, Michigan State began imposing its will in the running game. The offensive line continued pushing the line of scrimmage forward, and the Spartans repeatedly picked up valuable yardage. However, once they reached the inside of the 10-yard line, the rushing attack finally stalled.

That brought Liam Boyd onto the field for his third field goal attempt of the afternoon. He drilled it, extending Michigan State's lead to 9-0.

The Wolverines' next possession appeared destined for another three-and-out, with Michigan State making three consecutive stops through sound tackling. However, a penalty for having too many players on the field gave Michigan another opportunity on third down. Carr connected with JJ Buchanan on a big pass, but another penalty, this time for pass interference, gave the Wolverines additional help. The catch was ultimately ruled incomplete, but the flag remained.

Still, the Spartans finally caught a break. On the ensuing play, Anelu Lafaele ripped the ball away from the Michigan ball carrier, forcing a fumble that Michigan State recovered. The celebration brought another penalty for the Spartans, but none of it changed the result. Michigan State had the football and maintained its nine-point advantage heading into the fourth quarter.

The Spartans continued to find opportunities through the air on their next possession. After establishing the running game throughout the afternoon, Michigan's defense began selling out to stop the ground attack, leaving opportunities for Michigan State's receivers. Milivojevic connected with Chrishon McCray for another big completion, putting the Spartans in position to add to their lead.

However, the Wolverines' defense responded with back-to-back tackles for loss, pushing Michigan State out of field goal range. Rather than risk giving Michigan favorable field position, Fitzgerald continued trusting his defense and elected to punt.

Michigan State's defense once again delivered. Dion Crawford suffered an injury after the Wolverines picked up a first down, adding to the Spartans' injury concerns. But even with another defensive setback, Michigan State found a way to make the biggest play of the afternoon.

Carr bought himself some time in the pocket before throwing up a prayer downfield. Senior Najay Burtsa was waiting and came away with a huge interception with 10:30 remaining in the game.

Finally, the Spartans connected on the deep ball they had been looking for all afternoon. Milivojevic found freshman Bryson Williams for a 36-yard completion, giving Michigan State another opportunity to extend its lead with fewer than nine minutes remaining.

McCray continued to be a difference-maker, too. Milivojevic repeatedly found him underneath, and the receiver made Wolverines defenders miss with his ability to move in the open field. Through the first 55 minutes, McCray had hauled in six catches for 92 yards.

Michigan's defense eventually rallied, bringing a barrage of defenders down on the Spartans to force another fourth down. Once again, Boyd was called upon, and once again, he delivered. His fourth field goal of the afternoon extended Michigan State's lead to 12-0 with just over five minutes remaining.

The Spartans weren't finished. On Michigan's next possession, Michigan State immediately stripped the ball away and recovered another fumble. Everything was going the Spartans' way, and they had another opportunity to put the game away.

Michigan State didn't need to do anything spectacular on its next possession. It simply needed to keep the clock moving and protect its advantage. Boyd eventually came back onto the field and drilled his fifth field goal of the afternoon, giving the Spartans a commanding 15-0 lead with four minutes remaining.

It was all coming up Michigan State.

The Wolverines weren't going away quietly, though. Michigan State continued to battle on defense, but several questionable officiating decisions kept the Wolverines' hopes alive. Even then, the Spartans refused to fold.

Michigan State came up with another massive sack, seemingly putting the final nail in the coffin. However, facing fourth-and-21, Carr connected on a huge pass to keep the drive and Michigan's hopes alive.

The Wolverines eventually found the end zone on a touchdown run from Savion Hiter, finally getting their first points of the afternoon. Michigan attempted a two-point conversion but couldn't convert, leaving the Spartans with a two-possession advantage at 15-6.

Michigan State held strong through the final moments and came away with one of its biggest victories in years.

The Spartans entered Ann Arbor as two-touchdown underdogs and left with a nine-point victory, a statement win under Fitzgerald and, most importantly, the Paul Bunyan Trophy.

Welcome back to East Lansing, Paul Bunyan.