We are officially into Michigan vs. Michigan State week.

For the 118th time, the Michigan State Spartans will take on the Michigan Wolverines, with the winner claiming the Paul Bunyan Trophy. Michigan currently holds a commanding 74–38–5 series lead and has outscored MSU 2,766–1,670 overall.

Let’s dive into the history of this century-old rivalry.

Longest Streaks

Michigan owns the longest win streak (14 games, 1916–1929) and unbeaten run (18 games, 1916–1933). MSU’s best stretch came from 1950–1953, when Biggie Munn’s Spartans won four straight.

Michigan is currently on a three-game streak (2022–2024), while Michigan State enters this matchup riding a four-game losing skid overall. That desperation could make this a dangerous game for Michigan. Coach Jonathan Smith will need his Spartans fully prepared to face a far more talented Wolverines squad.

Largest Victories

Michigan’s biggest blowout came in a 119–0 rout back in 1902. MSU’s largest margin was a 34–0 win in 1951.

The most recent lopsided affair was Michigan’s 49–0 shutout in 2023 — MSU’s worst home loss ever. That humiliation should linger in every Spartan’s mind this week. Quarterback Aidan Chiles will need to turn molehills into mountains if Michigan State hopes to keep this one close. After Michigan sent Spartan fans home in tears two years ago, revenge still burns bright in East Lansing.

The Paul Bunyan Trophy

Since 1953, these two programs have fought for the nine-foot wooden statue of the legendary lumberjack. The trophy has its own lore — like when Michigan left it on the field after a 1954 win, forcing MSU to engrave the score themselves.

Even Michigan coach Lloyd Carr once called it “the ugliest trophy in college football.” Still, every player and coach dreams of hoisting that “ugly” prize high after 60 minutes of battle.

Program Pedigree

Michigan boasts 12 national titles, 45 Big Ten championships, and a 1,012–358–36 all-time record. MSU counters with 6 national titles, 9 Big Ten crowns, and a 733–490–44 mark.

The rivalry has featured 13 top-10 matchups — the latest in 2021, when both teams entered 7–0. This year’s meeting won’t carry that same hype: Michigan sits at No. 25, while Michigan State is still hunting its first conference win.

Memorable Games

• 1997 – Woodson’s Pick Party: No. 5 Michigan intercepted MSU six times (five by one player) en route to a 23–7 win, fueling their undefeated national title run.
• 2001 – Clockgate Chaos: MSU’s 26–24 upset featured a controversial clock stoppage and a game-winning TD with one second left — prompting Big Ten rule changes.
• 2015 – “Trouble with the Snap”: Unranked MSU stunned No. 7 Michigan 27–23 on a botched punt returned for a TD with 10 seconds left — “the greatest play in college football history,” per ESPN.
• 2021 – Walker’s Rampage: No. 8 MSU edged No. 6 Michigan 37–33 as Kenneth Walker III ran for 197 yards and a rivalry-record five TDs.
• 2022 – Tunnel Turmoil: No. 4 Michigan won 29–7, but post-game brawls led to MSU suspensions, fines, and even criminal charges.
• 2023 – Scouting Scandal Shutout: Amid Michigan’s sign-stealing investigation, the No. 2 Wolverines dominated 49–0. By August 2025, the NCAA had cleared Michigan of major violations.

Recent Developments

Michigan won the most recent meeting 24–17 on October 26, 2024, extending their streak. The 2025 rematch kicks off October 25 in East Lansing.

With the Big Ten’s new format eliminating divisions, this rivalry remains a protected annual game — ensuring Paul Bunyan will always be up for grabs.

The past few meetings have all delivered fireworks — and this one should be no different. Either Michigan State pulls off one of the biggest upsets in series history, or Michigan rolls into East Lansing and handles business.

Either way, expect drama, passion, and maybe a few shenanigans along the way. That’s just how this rivalry works.