Game Thread: No. 25 Michigan at Michigan State

EAST LANSING, Mich. --- It's nearly time for the biggest game on the schedule for Michigan State. The Spartans (3-4 overall, 0-4 Big Ten) are nearing kickoff against No. 25 Michigan (5-2, 3-1).

Kickoff is set for 7:45 p.m. ET on NBC. Noah Eagle will provide play-by-play, Todd Blackledge is the analyst, and Kathryn Tappen is going to report from the sidelines.

The Wolverines own a 74-38-5 advantage in the all-time series. When the game is played in East Lansing, that advantage drops to 22-15-2, though. UM has won the last three meetings in the rivalry.

Continue to check back here for updates on the game. A quick preview of the Battle for the Paul Bunyan Trophy is also below. For a more in-depth preview, CLICK HERE.

Game Preview

Oct 18, 2025; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback Bryce Underwood (19) drops back to pass in the second half against the Washington Huskies at Michigan Stadium. | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

This rivalry game feels like it might be the final chance for MSU to turn around what has been a very rough season. The Spartans went 3-0 during their non-conference slate, but the wins were against a MAC team, an FCS team, and a Boston College team that now enters Saturday at 1-6. MSU has lost all four of its Big Ten games by 11 points or more.

Michigan has won four out of its last five games. The Wolverines are 1-2 during road games this year, but those losses are against No. 13 Oklahoma and USC, two teams that are certainly regarded as teams better than Michigan State. UM also beat Nebraska on the road, while the Spartans lost by 11.

What will be critical for MSU is a good day from the defense. All four of the Spartans' conference opponents have put up at least 38 points on the scoreboard, and Michigan State is near the bottom of the Power Four in scoring defense. Michigan's offense is not amazing, but the Wolverines are still 45th in total offense, which is sixth in the Big Ten.

MSU's offense just needs to score more points. Against Indiana last week, the Spartans moved the ball plenty against a great defense, but only came away with 13 points. Michigan State is only averaging 22.3 points per game against FBS teams during regulation.

Live Updates

MSU Fa — A Michigan State fan cheers as the team makes its way to Spartan Stadium before the game against Michigan on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. | Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Michigan State won the coin toss and deferred. MSU is to receive the ball first.

First Quarter

MICHIGAN STATE TURNOVER: Aidan Chiles fumbles on a third down, recovered by UM's Jimmy Rolder at MSU's 34-yard line.

FIELD GOAL, MICHIGAN: Dominic Zvada's 21-yard attempt is good; 3-0, Wolverines.

THREE AND OUT: It's a quick possession for MSU during its second turn with the ball.

THREE AND OUT: After forcing a UM punt, Michigan State fails to get a first down again.

TOUCHDOWN, MICHIGAN: Bryce Underwood runs it in from 13 yards out; 10-0, Michigan.

THREE AND OUT: Michigan boots it away on the final play of the first quarter.

End of Q1: Michigan 10, Michigan State 0

Second Quarter

Oct 25, 2025; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans safety Malik Spencer (43) reacts after a third down defensive play against the Michigan Wolverines during the first half at Spartan Stadium. | Brendan Mullin-Imagn Images

TOUCHDOWN, MICHIGAN STATE: Aidan Chiles sneaks it in from the 1-yard line to get MSU on the board; 10-7, UM in front.

THREE AND OUT: The snap goes high on third down, and Underwood has to fall on it in the backfield.

THREE AND OUT: MSU can't get it going again, but Ryan Eckley pins UM at its own 5.

HALF: Michigan 10, Michigan State 7

Second Half

Oct 25, 2025; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; The Michigan State Spartans take the field prior to a game against the Michigan Wolverines at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Mullin-Imagn Images | Brendan Mullin-Imagn Images

Third Quarter

TOUCHDOWN, MICHIGAN: Justice Haynes runs in a touchdown from five yards out; 17-7, UM.

THREE AND OUT: Michigan boots it away for its second drive of the second half.

THREE AND OUT: Starting at its own 3-yard line, MSU cannot get far away enough from its own goal line.

TOUCHDOWN, MICHIGAN: Haynes gets the edge and runs it in for another UM touchdown from 14 yards out; 24-7, Wolverines.

End of Q3: Michigan 24, Michigan State 7

Fourth Quarter

Michigan State's Aidan Chiles runs for a gain against Michigan during the second quarter on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. | Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

TOUCHDOWN, MICHIGAN STATE: Brandon Tullis runs in a touchdown from the 1-yard line; MSU went for two and did not convert; 24-13, UM in front.

THREE AND OUT: MSU's defense gets off the field quickly, giving the offense the ball back on its own 41 with 10:13 to go.

TURNOVER ON DOWNS: Michigan State goes for it on fourth-and-3 from Michigan's 27, but the pass gets broken up by UM's Rolder.

MICHIGAN TURNOVER: Haynes fumbles for UM, and it's picked up by David Santiago.

TURNOVER ON DOWNS: MSU fails another fourth-and-short.

TOUCHDOWN, MICHIGAN: Jordan Marshall breaks free from 56 yards out to sink the dagger; 31-13, UM.

TOUCHDOWN, MICHIGAN STATE: Alessio Milivojevic throws a 21-yard TD pass to Michael Masunas; 31-20, UM.

Final: Michigan 31, Michigan State 20

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