Five Liam Boyd field goals and four takeaways delivered the Spartans their first rivalry win since 2021.
Read the storyNovember 8, 2026, at 3 a.m. Central time.
Michigan State kicker Liam Boyd made five field goals and the Spartans forced four turnovers in a 15–6 win over Michigan on Saturday night in Ann Arbor, bringing the Paul Bunyan Trophy back to East Lansing.
It was Michigan State's first victory in the rivalry since 2021, according to Michigan State athletics. The Associated Press via ABC News also reported the score, Boyd's five kicks and the four takeaways.
Neither team scored in the first quarter. Boyd's two second-quarter field goals gave the Spartans a 6–0 halftime lead, and he added three more after the break. Michigan State's defense recorded five sacks, the AP reported.
Michigan scored a fourth-quarter touchdown but failed on the two-point attempt. The Wolverines gave the ball away twice on interceptions and twice on fumbles, according to Michigan athletics.
The victory gave Michigan State its first Big Ten win of the season. The Spartans improved to 3–6 overall and 1–5 in conference play, while Michigan fell to 5–4 overall and 2–4 in the Big Ten, according to the schools.
The teams play for the Paul Bunyan Trophy, which had stayed with Michigan since the Wolverines won the previous four meetings.
The game was tied 0–0 after one quarter. Michigan State led 6–0 at halftime and 9–0 after three quarters before winning 15–6, according to the schools’ game reports.
The star marks the approximate location of Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Michigan State Athletics · Michigan Athletics · Associated Press via ABC News.
Hero and thumbnail: conceptual editorial illustration, not a photograph. Map data: OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL.
