Three Takeaways After Michigan State Football Reclaims Paul Bunyan Trophy

On Saturday, Michigan State football traveled into enemy territory, heading to Ann Arbor to take on their most hated rival, Michigan. The Spartans wore down the Wolverines, putting together five scoring drives and not letting the Wolverines score until it was too late.

With that, a losing streak that dated back to Kenneth Walker III’s time at Michigan State was snapped, and the Paul Bunyan Trophy headed back to East Lansing on the buses early on Sunday morning.

Here are three takeaways from the contest.

First-Year Coaches With Opposite Messages

This contest was a battle of first-year head coaches, much like the 2024 contest. Kyle Whittingham had downplayed the contest, claiming it as the Spartans’ Super Bowl while it was merely a rivalry game for Michigan.

Meanwhile, since stepping foot in East Lansing, Pat Fitzgerald had mentioned that one game “meant more than the others,” and the Spartans played like it. It was a focused and controlled effort where the Spartans simply dismantled Michigan, with the Wolverine offense being stuck in perpetual three-and-outs.

Pat Fitzgerald has been a member of the Big Ten since the start of his collegiate playing years, and he gets the rivalries. Meanwhile, a west coast coach does not understand the rivalry. Those who were around for 2024 understand what entails in the Battle for the Paul Bunyan Trophy as a result.

Offense Was Repetitive, but Effective

The Spartan offense was nothing special on Saturday night, as the majority of play calls were runs to Brandon Tullis and Kenneth Williams, or passes to Chrishon McCray. The simplistic approach worked well, as Tullis bullied the Wolverine defense with over 80 yards on 25 carries.

McCray, meanwhile, contributed 6 catches for 92 yards. It was a very simple game plan, and Nick Sheridan did not pull many wrinkles out for the “State Title Game,” as described by Pat Fitzgerald. It was not needed.

The turning point of the game was a monster drive in the third quarter. The Spartans had a 17-play drive that took 10:41 off the game clock. The Wolverines pinned the Spartans at the one-yard line on a punt, and a second down pass to Fredrick Moore gave them a first, and then the offense was at work.

In the end, the Spartans settled for a Liam Boyd field goal to make it 9-0, which spelled the end for Michigan.

Was it the most fun or prettiest game to watch? No. However, it was a sloppy backyard brawl that the Spartans emerged on top from.

Glimpses For the Future

While this game does not ease the sting of a six-game losing streak, it is the breath of fresh air needed to trust in the plan for Pat Fitzgerald. The fanbase was nearing apathetic levels towards Fitzgerald, and now he has united Spartan Nation.

Immediately after the game, Fitzgerald dedicated the win to his seniors, team, former Spartans, and the fan base. He took the time to then call for the fan base to pack the stands for the Washington game next week. The coach is installing belief.

While it is doubtful, although not improbable, that the Spartans find a way to rattle off three straight wins in the last three weeks, there is the genuine belief in a direction for the program. The fanbase has needed a reason to cheer, and Fitzgerald has provided that reason.