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Michigan trounces Michigan State in shutout win, keeps Paul Bunyan Trophy

No. 2 Wolverines dominate Spartans in annual rivalry game

EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 21: Roman Wilson #1 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates a first half touchdown with J.J. McCarthy #9 next to Jordan Hall #5 of the Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium on October 21, 2023 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) (Gregory Shamus, 2023 Getty Images)

EAST LANSING, Mich. – Michigan didn’t face much of a challenge on Saturday night in East Lansing, cruising to an easy victory over in-state rival Michigan State.

The annual Michigan-Michigan State game was dominated by the Wolverines from start to finish, with Michigan winning in blowout fashion, 49-0. Wolverines QB J.J. McCarthy threw for four touchdowns and didn’t play in the fourth quarter.

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It’s the first shutout in the Michigan-Michigan State rivalry since 2000, when Michigan won 14-0. It’s not the biggest shutout, either. Back in 1902, Michigan beat MSU, 119-0. So it could have been worse for Spartans fans.

Michigan led at 28-0 at halftime, and that was pretty much it. The Wolverines claim the Paul Bunyan Trophy for the second year in a row. Michigan has won four of the last six matchups against Michigan State.

The No. 2 ranked Wolverines improve to 8-0 on the season, while Michigan State drops to 2-5. The Spartans have not won a game since former head coach Mel Tucker was fired.

Michigan has a bye next week before taking on Purdue on Nov. 4 in Ann Arbor.

Michigan State travels to take on Minnesota next weekend.


About the Author
Ken Haddad headshot

Ken Haddad has been with Local 4/ClickOnDetroit since 2013. He helps lead news coverage and content across broadcast and digital platforms. He's from the Metro Detroit area, and loves covering important news (and sports) in his hometown.

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