Who won Michigan State vs. Michigan on November 7, 2026? The Michigan State Spartans defeated the Michigan Wolverines 15–6 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, reclaiming the Paul Bunyan Trophy. Michigan State kicker Liam Boyd made all five of his field-goal attempts; the visitors did not score a touchdown. Michigan’s only touchdown came with 1:35 remaining in the fourth quarter. The result and statistics are confirmed by both universities’ official athletics records.
The rivalry was one of the prominent college football searches in the United States on November 8. The figures below reflect the completed November 7 game, not live scores, betting estimates or projections.
Michigan State vs. Michigan: final score by quarter
| Team | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan State | 0 | 6 | 3 | 6 | 15 |
| Michigan | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 6 |
Neither team scored in the opening quarter. Michigan State entered halftime ahead 6–0, led 9–0 after three quarters and extended the advantage to 15–0 before Michigan reached the end zone late.
How did Liam Boyd score all 15 Michigan State points?
Boyd converted five field goals. According to the official Michigan scoring summary, his kicks came from 21 yards and 37 yards in the second quarter, 38 yards in the third, and 24 yards and 49 yards in the fourth. Five successful kicks at three points apiece accounted for Michigan State’s entire total.
The sequence matters for understanding the result: although the Spartans never reached the end zone, their scoring chances produced enough points because Michigan was held scoreless until the final minutes. Michigan State’s official game report said the victory returned the Paul Bunyan Trophy to East Lansing for the first time since 2021.
When did Michigan score its only touchdown?
Running back Savion Hiter scored from one yard out with 1:35 left in the fourth quarter, finishing a 13-play, 75-yard drive. Michigan’s official recap credits a 31-yard reception by JJ Buchanan as the team’s longest play from scrimmage and a key part of the late possession. The two-point conversion was unsuccessful, leaving the final margin at nine points.
Official team statistics: what separated the Spartans and Wolverines?
| Statistic | Michigan State | Michigan |
|---|---|---|
| Total offense | 298 yards | 192 yards |
| Passing yards | 188 | 138 |
| Rushing yards | 110 | 54 |
| First downs | 17 | 13 |
| Third-down conversions | 9 of 20 | 2 of 10 |
| Time of possession | 38:07 | 21:53 |
| Turnovers lost | 0 | 4 |
Michigan’s four turnovers — two interceptions and two lost fumbles — were particularly costly. The Wolverines also converted only 20% of their third downs, limiting sustained drives. Michigan State’s longer time of possession reflected its ability to maintain drives and keep Michigan’s offense off the field.
Who led the passing, rushing and receiving stats?
Michigan State quarterback Alessio Milivojevic threw for 188 yards. Brandon Tullis led the Spartans with 86 rushing yards, and Chrishon McCray led their receivers with 92 yards. For Michigan, Tommy Carr passed for 138 yards but was intercepted twice; Bryson Kuzdzal had 49 rushing yards and Andrew Marsh had 38 receiving yards, according to the official box score.
These leaders represent total yardage in the respective categories, not a ranking based on fantasy football scoring or player projections.
What does the result mean for the Paul Bunyan Trophy?
Michigan State and Michigan contest the Paul Bunyan Trophy in their annual Big Ten rivalry. Saturday’s win returned the trophy to Michigan State after the Spartans’ first victory in the series since 2021, according to Michigan State Athletics. The official crowd reported at Michigan Stadium was 111,172.
What were the teams’ records after the game?
Michigan State stood at 3–6 overall and 1–5 in Big Ten play; Michigan stood at 5–4 overall and 2–4 in the conference. These records are a snapshot after the November 7 matchup, not an estimate of their final season records.
Who does Michigan play next?
Michigan lists an away game at Oregon on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. Pacific, with FS1 as the scheduled broadcaster. Check the official Michigan 2026 schedule for any changes. Michigan State’s next game should be checked through its official season schedule rather than assumed from old reports.
Where can I find the official box score and highlights?
The Michigan State official box score and Michigan official game recap offer team and individual stats, with links to related athletics coverage. For additional college football context, see our College Football Playoff 2026 rankings and bracket guide and our Alabama vs. LSU November 7 game recap.
Primary sources
- University of Michigan Athletics: Official November 7 recap and scoring summary
- Michigan State Athletics: Official November 8 game report
- Michigan State Athletics: Official team and individual statistics
Photo note: The featured photo shows Michigan Stadium during a Michigan National Guard helicopter flight on November 14, 2022. It is a public-domain archive photograph of the correct venue, not a photograph of the November 7, 2026 rivalry match. Staff Sgt. Jacob Cessna / Michigan National Guard, via DVIDS.
Sık Sorulan Sorular
Who won Michigan State vs Michigan on November 7, 2026?
Michigan State won 15–6 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor.
How many field goals did Liam Boyd make against Michigan?
Five: from 21, 37, 38, 24 and 49 yards, accounting for all 15 Michigan State points.
How many turnovers did Michigan commit?
Four turnovers: two interceptions and two lost fumbles.
Who scored Michigan's touchdown?
Savion Hiter scored on a one-yard run with 1:35 left in the fourth quarter.
Who holds the Paul Bunyan Trophy after the November 2026 game?
Michigan State reclaimed the trophy with its 15–6 victory.
