Michigan Runs Over Michigan State 31–20, Extends Rivalry Dominance Behind Relentless Ground Game
By Bob Brozowski | MittenSportsTalk.com
October 26, 2025 | East Lansing, MI
Michigan vs Michigan State 2025 played out like most people thought it would, with the Paul Bunyan Trophy headed back to Ann Arbor for a fourth consecutive year. What unfolded in East Lansing Saturday night wasn’t a shootout or a thriller—it was a slow, methodical dismantling. No. 25 Michigan imposed its will at the line of scrimmage, grinding out a 31–20 win over Michigan State and securing a firm hold of dominance in the rivalry.
From the opening drive, it was clear the Wolverines came to play power football. Michigan State, meanwhile, looked overmatched, undisciplined, and out of sync—again.
Michigan’s Formula: Control the Trenches, Let the Backs Eat
The Wolverines didn’t need a flashy passing performance from freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood. They simply handed the ball to their dynamic backfield duo—and watched them take over.
Justice Haynes carried 26 times for 152 yards and two touchdowns, while Jordan Marshall added 110 yards and a score on 15 carries. Michigan’s offensive line mauled the Spartans’ front, paving the way for 276 rushing yards and controlling the tempo all night.
Underwood finished 8-of-17 for 86 yards and ran for another touchdown, playing mistake-free football. Defensively, Jimmy Rolder set the tone with a career-high 10 tackles, a sack, and a fumble recovery as Michigan’s front seven repeatedly collapsed the Spartan pocket.
A Familiar Story for Michigan State
For Michigan State, it was a rinse-and-repeat script—inconsistent quarterback play, critical penalties, and poor discipline.
Quarterback Aidan Chiles spent most of the game under pressure, completing 14 of 28 passes for 130 yards and a rushing score, but also missing open receivers and forcing several throws into coverage. Running back Makhi Frazier was one of the few bright spots, rushing for 109 yards on 14 carries.
But 12 penalties for 105 yards doomed the Spartans. Missed tackles, false starts, taunting calls, and an unwarranted intentional grounding penalty at a key moment all contributed to the loss.
When you’re the less talented team, mistakes multiply—and that’s precisely what happened.
Second Half: Haynes Turns It Into a Rout
After a cautious first half, Michigan’s dominance fully surfaced in the third quarter.
Haynes struck first, taking a five-yard run around the left edge where corner Malcolm Bell got caught peeking inside. Haynes waltzed in untouched.
Moments later, he did it again. With three minutes left in the third, Haynes bounced another handoff to the outside, slipping past linebacker Darius Snow and defensive back Nikai Martinez before coasting into the end zone for a 24–7 lead.
Michigan State responded early in the fourth quarter. A nice hookup between Chiles and Nick Marsh moved the Spartans to the half-yard line, where Brandon Tullis powered in for a touchdown to make it 24–13. Then came the turning point—a failed two-point conversion that killed what little energy the Spartans had left.
It was analytics over instinct, and it backfired. Instead of trailing by only 10 points, MSU’s failed attempt left them in a mathematical hole and emotional tailspin.
With under three minutes remaining, Jordan Marshall delivered the dagger—bouncing a 56-yard touchdown run down the right sideline to make it 31–13. By then, Spartan Stadium had emptied of green and white and was now filled with maize and blue, as Michigan fans chanted in approval.
Backup quarterback Alessio Milivojevic led a cosmetic drive in the final seconds, hitting tight end Michael Masunas for a 21-yard touchdown with seven seconds left to make it 31–20. It didn’t matter. The Wolverines had already walked off with full control of the rivalry—again.
Final Stats
| Stat | Michigan | Michigan State |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 362 | 305 |
| Passing Yards | 86 | 190 |
| Rushing Yards | 276 | 115 |
| Penalties | 6 for 61 yds | 12 for 105 yds |
| 3rd Down Efficiency | 6 / 15 | 5 / 16 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 1 |
| Time of Possession | 30:33 | 29:27 |
The Road Ahead: Two Programs Headed in Opposite Directions
For Michigan, the victory was more than a rivalry win—it keeps the Wolverines squarely in the College Football Playoff conversation. A loss would’ve ended that hope; instead, the Wolverines have a clear path to the Ohio State game with everything still on the table.
Michigan’s Remaining Schedule
- Nov. 1 vs. Purdue: The Boilermakers are 2–6 and reeling. Expect another heavy dose of Haynes and Marshall.
- Nov. 15 vs. Northwestern (Wrigley Field): Neutral setting, same result—Michigan’s defense should control the game.
- Nov. 22 at Maryland: The Terrapins can be dangerous at home, but Michigan’s physicality gives them the edge.
- Nov. 29 vs. Ohio State: The season-defining showdown. The Buckeyes remain unbeaten and dominant. For Michigan, it’s simple—win, and you’re in the CFP discussion.
At 6–2, Michigan’s momentum is peaking. The team looks tougher, more disciplined, and more self-assured than it did after the USC loss.
Michigan State’s Remaining Schedule
The picture is far bleaker in East Lansing. Michigan State has now dropped five straight and shows no signs of turning it around. The Spartans are 0–4 in the Big Ten, and there may not be another win on the schedule.
- Nov. 1 at Minnesota: 5-3, but not setting the world on-fire. MSU has a modest chance of winning, but it’s on the road. I give them a 50-50 shot.
- Nov. 15 vs. Penn State: This is a team reeling, after dismissing James Franklin as head coach. The Nittany Lions have lost four straight. But Penn State has superior talent, so it’s hard to see this going well.
- Nov. 22 at Iowa: Kinnick Stadium at night? Forget it.
- Nov. 29 vs. Maryland (Ford Field): The Terrapins are fighting for bowl eligibility. The Spartans were humiliated 49–0 in Detroit last year; this could be déjà vu.
The State of the Program: Smith on the Hot Seat
Head coach Jonathan Smith is running out of goodwill—and time. His Spartans have regressed in nearly every measurable category. The loss to Michigan wasn’t just another defeat; it may have been the breaking point.
The Case for Firing Smith
- Five straight losses, mounting discipline issues, and questionable in-game decisions, including the failed two-point try.
- Fan patience has evaporated, with MSU sitting 3–11 in Big Ten play under Smith.
- New athletic director J Batt faces immediate pressure to prove leadership—and cleaning house could be his first major move.
The Case for Waiting
- A $30 million buyout complicates any midseason firing.
- Smith is still in only his second season, inheriting a program already in disarray post-Mel Tucker.
- Financial and donor logistics may force MSU to delay action until December.
The Verdict
Most analysts view Smith’s dismissal as inevitable, the only question being when. A complete collapse to end the season could accelerate the timeline. If the Spartans continue playing with this level of indiscipline and inconsistency, it’s hard to see Smith returning in 2026.
For now, Michigan State’s program feels adrift—while Michigan, once again, looks poised to make noise nationally.
In the end, Paul Bunyan didn’t need to be carried off the field — he likely walked back to Ann Arbor, where at this point he might as well start house-hunting. He just might be there for some time to come.
