How Michigan State Historically Fares Against Western Michigan

The season opener for MSU and WMU will be the 18th all-time meeting between the two programs, so let's see how they have stacked up against one another in the past.

MSU TE Daniel Barker tries to snag a pass against Western Michigan LB Zaire Barnes Friday, Sept. 2, 2022, during the season opener at Spartan Stadium. Dsc 7069 | Matthew Dae Smith/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK

For the second time in four years, the Michigan State Spartans will open up their football season against the Western Michigan Broncos.

The two programs have pretty often met in the earlier portion of the season throughout the years and will meet for the eighth time since 2000 once the game next Friday officially begins.

It's really a series that MSU has dominated, as the Spartans have won 13 straight against the Broncos and haven't lost to WMU since 1919.

So, let's take a look at how the two in-state foes have tended to stack up against one another.

All-time record: Michigan State 15, Western Michigan 2

Michigan State wide receiver Germie Bernard (5) scores a touchdown against Western Michigan during the first half at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing on Friday, Sept. 2, 2022. | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

Sept. 2, 2022 - Michigan State 35, Western Michigan 13

In the last matchup between these two teams, the Broncos were able to really put up a better fight than what the final score indicated. WMU trailed by just eight going into the fourth quarter, but MSU scored two late touchdowns to open the game back up.

RB Jalen Berger led the way for Michigan State in this one, going for 120 rushing yards and a touchdown on just 16 carries. QB Payton Thorne also racked up 233 passing yards and four touchdowns to one interception.

Sep 7, 2019; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans running back Elijah Collins (24) runs though a tackle of Western Michigan Broncos linebacker Treshaun Hayward (23) during the second half of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-Imagn Images | Mike Carter-Imagn Images

Sept. 7, 2019 - Michigan State 51, Western Michigan 17

This Week 2 matchup between the Spartans and the Broncos was a total blowout. Michigan State opened up a 21-0 lead in the first quarter and never looked back.

QB Brian Lewerke threw for 314 yards, and RB Elijah Collins ran for a career-high 192 yards on just 17 carries.

Sep 9, 2017; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans running back Gerald Holmes (24) is tackled by Western Michigan Broncos defensive back Stefan Claiborne (21) and Western Michigan Broncos linebacker Caleb Bailey (8) during the first half of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-Imagn Images | Mike Carter-Imagn Images

Sept. 9, 2017 - Michigan State 28, Western Michigan 14

This matchup, also in Week 2, was a bit sleepier of a game. MSU led 14-0 at halftime but couldn't truly make the game a blowout after WMU scored two non-offensive touchdowns in the second half (one defensive, one special teams).

Lewerke also had a good day on the ground in this one. He scored twice and totaled 81 yards, most of it on a 61-yard scamper in the first quarter.

Sep 4, 2015; Kalamazoo, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans wide receiver R.J. Shelton (12) turns the corner on the Western Michigan Broncos defense prior to a game at Waldo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-Imagn Images | Mike Carter-Imagn Images

All Previous Results

Sept. 4, 2015 - Michigan State 37, Western Michigan 24 - in Kalamazoo

Aug. 30, 2013 - Michigan State 26, Western Michigan 13

Sept. 4, 2010 - Michigan State 38, Western Michigan 14

Nov. 7, 2009 - Michigan State 49, Western Michigan 14

Aug. 30, 2003 - Michigan State 26, Western Michigan 21

Sept. 6, 1997 - Michigan State 42, Western Michigan 10

Sept. 27, 1986 - Michigan State 45, Western Michigan 10

Sept. 28, 1985 - Michigan State 7, Western Michigan 3

Sept. 27, 1980 - Michigan State 33, Western Michigan 7

Oct. 22, 1921 - Michigan State 17, Western Michigan 14

Oct. 11, 1919 - Michigan State 18, Western Michigan 21

Nov. 2, 1918 - Michigan State 16, Western Michigan 7

Nov. 3, 1917 - Michigan State 0, Western Michigan 14

Oct. 10, 1908 - Michigan State 35, Western Michigan 0

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