Michigan State beats Michigan, reclaims Paul Bunyan Trophy

Michigan State beat rival Michigan 15-6 in Ann Arbor, reclaiming the Paul Bunyan Trophy and ending a six-game losing streak. The Spartans’ defense forced four turnovers, recorded five sacks and held Michigan to 192 yards, while Liam Boyd accounted for all of Michigan State’s points with five field goals. Coach Pat Fitzgerald called the performance a standard the team must maintain, crediting improved preparation and emphasizing discipline and physicality. He also said some players failed to shake hands with Michigan’s team after the game and that their conduct would be addressed. The win offered a confidence-building example for a 3-6 team, but Fitzgerald said the challenge is to reproduce that effort in the weeks ahead.