Michigan beats Michigan State for 3rd straight time: Live updates recap

Michigan Triumphs Over Michigan State for Third Consecutive Victory: A Live Game Recap
ANN ARBOR — With flawless play unmarred by turnovers or penalties and a strategic touch of trickery, Michigan overpowered Michigan State 24–17 on Saturday night at Michigan Stadium. This marks Michigan’s third successive win in this rivalry, securing their hold on the Paul Bunyan Trophy. The Wolverines advanced to a 5–3 record (3–2 in conference), while Michigan State dropped to 4–4 (2–3 in conference).

FOURTH QUARTER

1:52 — Alex Orji opened the quarter with a significant gain on the first down. Despite holding all three timeouts, the Spartans refrained from stopping the clock until the next snap, with just 1:14 left. Mullings ran for a modest gain, prompting Michigan State to call its second timeout at 1:10. Orji re-entered, securing a first down before tactically sliding to keep the clock running. Michigan State called its final timeout with 1:04 on the clock. The Wolverines, however, had no need to fear any “trouble with the snap” scenario; they simply took a knee, securing their win as Davis Warren celebrated with the crowd. A brief scuffle ensued but was quickly defused before escalating. It seems that no Michigan-Michigan State game is complete without a moment of tension.

Score: Michigan 24, Michigan State 17

4:34 — Michigan’s Derrick Moore applied pressure on Aidan Chiles, who threw the ball away with no receivers in sight, drawing an intentional grounding penalty. Though the Spartans regained the yardage on the following play, Chiles’ subsequent 12-yard pass was insufficient, setting up a critical fourth and 5. Under duress, Chiles scrambled and launched a pass to the end zone amidst heavy coverage, only for it to be deflected by Quinten Johnson, sealing the turnover on downs.

Score: Michigan 24, Michigan State 17

6:12 — The Wolverines’ offense stalled as two Kalel Mullings runs yielded no yardage, followed by an incomplete pass, resulting in a punt. Michigan State took over at midfield but failed to capitalize.

Score: Michigan 24, Michigan State 17

13:20 — The Spartans interwove runs and passes, advancing the ball with tempo. Kay’Ron Lynch-Adams powered through Michigan’s defense, taking the Spartans to the Wolverines’ 18-yard line. However, Chiles was sacked on the subsequent play, leading to third and 12 as the clock ticked down. In a burst of athleticism, Chiles side-armed a pass to Nick Marsh, who reversed his trajectory for a touchdown, closing the gap to a one-score game.

Score: Michigan 24, Michigan State 17

15:00 — Before the final quarter commenced, Michigan State’s Jordan Turner was ejected for targeting, placing Michigan at MSU’s 42-yard line. Alternating between Warren and Orji, the Wolverines orchestrated a strategic drive; Warren’s pass to Kendrick Bell secured a first down at MSU’s 23. Edwards then caught a lateral and lobbed a touchdown pass to a wide-open Colston Loveland. Opting for two points, Michigan completed a pass from Warren to Loveland.

Score: Michigan 24, Michigan State 10

THIRD QUARTER

0:26 — Alex Orji retained possession on Michigan’s initial play, concluding the third quarter.

Score: Michigan 16, Michigan State 10

2:04 — Michigan State’s drive was cut short by a false start penalty and Michigan’s resilient defense, forcing a punt.

Score: Michigan 16, Michigan State 10

3:43 — The Spartans attempted an onside kick, resulting in a scramble that ultimately ended with Michigan’s Tavierre Dunlap recovering the ball. Despite favorable field position, Michigan couldn’t capitalize due to a Loveland drop and ended up punting.

Score: Michigan 16, Michigan State 10

9:49 — A miscommunication on Michigan State’s kick return led them to start deep in their territory. Chiles managed a 30-yard pass to Montorie Foster, but a tackle-for-loss from Michigan’s Kenneth Grant forced a 46-yard field goal, which Jonathan Kim converted.

Score: Michigan 16, Michigan State 10

15:00 — Michigan received the ball to start the second half. A swift third-and-8 completion to Semaj Morgan for a first down paved the way for Orji’s explosive 29-yard run to the Spartan 35. Mullings initiated a trick play, flipping the ball back to Warren, who connected with Tyler Morris on a 23-yard pass. On first and goal from the MSU 1, Orji scored untouched after MSU’s defense failed to react.

Score: Michigan 16, Michigan State 7

HALFTIME: Michigan held a narrow lead of 9–7, having taken advantage of late second-quarter scoring drives. Despite Michigan State’s early control, they led in total yards 160–116. Michigan would receive the kickoff to begin the third quarter.

SECOND QUARTER

0:14 — David Warren’s 15-yard pass to Donovan Edwards set up a successful 37-yard field goal by Dominic Zvada.

Score: Michigan 9, MSU 7

0:29 — Chiles rolled out to evade pressure but was blindsided by Josaiah Stewart, who forced a fumble, granting Michigan excellent field position for their ensuing drive.