Live Game Thread: Michigan State at Minnesota

It's getting close to game time, as Michigan State (3-5 overall, 0-5 Big Ten) will try to snap its losing streak on the road versus Minnesota (5-3, 3-2). Kickoff is set for precisely 3:31 p.m. ET (2:31 p.m. local) on the Big Ten Network.

MSU has lost five straight and is 0-3 this year on the road, while the Golden Gophers are a perfect 5-0 while playing at home.

From a purely speculative standpoint, it seems like head coach Jonathan Smith could be coaching for his job in just game 21 with the Spartans, which certainly raises the stakes a little bit.

Check back here for updates throughout the game, which will be posted below a brief preview of the contest.

Game Preview

Sep 13, 2025; Berkeley, California, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback Drake Lindsey (5) confers with tight end Jameson Geers (86) at the line of scrimmage during the fourth quarter against the California Golden Bears at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images | D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images

The critical matchup in this game for the Spartans will be their offense against Minnesota's defense. MSU is already going to be without starting running back Makhi Frazier, starting left tackle Stanton Ramil, and third wide receiver Chrishon McCray. Alessio Milivojevic will also be getting his first career start at quarterback.

Entering Saturday, the Spartans are all the way down at 108th nationally in total offense and are just tied for 77th in scoring. The offense has failed to score more than 20 points in each of its last three games.

As for the Gophers' defense, Minnesota entered Saturday 15th in the country for total defense and was tied for 47th in scoring.

The unit has played especially well at home, only surrendering 12.8 points per game at Huntington Bank Stadium this season.

Aug 28, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive lineman Anthony Smith (0) celebrates a sack against the Buffalo Bulls during the first half of the game at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images | Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

The more advantageous side of the ball is the Gophers' offense against Michigan State's defense. But that's really just because it is a bad vs. bad matchup, while vice versa is good (Minnesota) vs. bad (MSU).

Entering Saturday, the Gophers are 122nd in total offense, which is the second-worst in the Big Ten (Wisconsin). Michigan State was 84th in total defense.

Neither is really any better in terms of scoring. Minnesota's 23.9 points per game ranks 96th nationally, and MSU's 32.5 points per game allowed is tied for 115th.

During Big Ten play, the 31 points allowed by the Spartans against Michigan are actually the fewest points allowed by the defense.

Live Updates

Michigan State's Wayne Matthews III celebrates after a stop 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

First Half

MSU won the toss and elected to defer. Minnesota gets the ball first.

First Quarter

Nov 1, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Alessio Milivojevic (11) looks to pass against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the first half at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images | Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

THREE AND OUT: Michigan State's defense immediately forces a punt to start the game.

MISSED FIELD GOAL: Martin Connington's 46-yard field goal goes wide left for MSU.

THREE AND OUT: MSU can't get things going with its second turn with the ball.

TOUCHDOWN, MINNESOTA: Fame Ijeboi runs it in from one yard out; 7-0, Gophers.

End of Q1: Minnesota 7, Michigan State 0

Nov 1, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Michigan State Spartans wide receiver Omari Kelly (1) catches a pass as Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive back Jai'Onte' McMillan (24) defends during the first half at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images | Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Second Quarter

TURNOVER ON DOWNS: MSU goes for it on fourth-and-2 from Minnesota's 24, but Milivojevic's pass is broken up.

FIELD GOAL, MINNESOTA: Brady Denaburg makes a 30-yarder to give the Gophers a 10-0 lead.

THREE AND OUT: On third down, Milivojevic is sacked for the fourth time, and Michigan State has to punt.

THREE AND OUT: Minnesota quickly punts it away in kind.

MISSED FIELD GOAL: Denaburg misses a 33-yard attempt to the right just before halftime.

Half: Minnesota 10, Michigan State 0

Second Half

Nov 1, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Michigan State Spartans running back Brandon Tullis (7) runs the ball as Minnesota Golden Gophers linebacker Maverick Baranowski (6) makes a tackle during the first half at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images | Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Third Quarter

TOUCHDOWN, MICHIGAN STATE: Milivojevic delivers to Rodney Bullard Jr. for a 71-yard touchdown; 10-7, MSU still behind.

THREE AND OUT: Minnesota quickly punts it away during its second drive of the second half.

End of Q3: Minnesota 10, Michigan State 7

Fourth Quarter

Nov 1, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Michigan State Spartans running back Elijah Tau-Tolliver (4) runs the ball against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the first half at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images | Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

FIELD GOAL, MICHIGAN STATE: Connington makes a 34-yard field goal to tie the game at 10-10.

MISSED FIELD GOAL: Connington misses a 24-yard chip shot to the right.

TOUCHDOWN, MICHIGAN STATE: Brandon Tullis runs it in from the 1-yard line two plays after Elijah Tau-Tolliver ran one 85 yards. MSU leads, 17-10.

TOUCHDOWN, MINNESOTA: Drake Lindsey sneaks in a touchdown from two yards out to tie the game at 17-17 with 29 seconds remaining.

End of Regulation: Michigan State 17, Minnesota 17

Overtime

Macolm Bell — Nov 1, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive back Malcolm Bell (14) breaks up a pass intended for Minnesota Golden Gophers wide receiver Javon Tracy (11) during the first half at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images | Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

1OT

Michigan State: Connington makes a 36-yard field goal.

Minnesota: Drake Lindsey runs in a touchdown for the win.

Final (OT): Minnesota 23, Michigan State 20

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