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Michigan vs. Michigan State History: All-Time Series, Last Meeting and More
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- Michigan vs. Michigan State History: All-Time Series, Last Meeting and More
(USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
Michigan will take on Michigan State this weekend as the Wolverines look to build on their 28-21 victory over Rutgers and keep their momentum going under head coach Kyle Whittingham.
While the focus will be on what happens Saturday, Michigan and Michigan State have a history that dates back to 1898. The Wolverines have controlled the all-time series, entering this year's matchup with a 75-38-5 record against the Spartans.
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Michigan has also enjoyed the upper hand recently, winning seven of the last 10 meetings between the programs, including the last four contests.
The Wolverines' longest winning streak in the series is 14 games, stretching from 1916 through 1929. Michigan State's longest winning streak is four games, a feat the Spartans have accomplished several times: 1934 to 1937, 1950 to 1953, 1959 to 1962 and 2008 to 2011.
Last Meeting
The most recent matchup between Michigan and Michigan State came in 2025, with the Wolverines earning a 31-20 victory in East Lansing.
Michigan leaned heavily on its rushing attack, controlling the line of scrimmage and wearing down the Spartans throughout the contest.
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Running backs Justice Haynes and Jordan Marshall played a major role in the victory, rushing for 262 yards and three touchdowns combined as Michigan consistently found success on the ground.
Quarterback Bryce Underwood also contributed to the Wolverines' rushing attack with 26 yards and a touchdown of his own. He helped Michigan move the football and maintain control against its in-state rival.
Michigan State made things interesting in the second half, but the Wolverines ultimately did enough to preserve their advantage and secure another victory in the rivalry.
The win marked Michigan's fourth consecutive victory over Michigan State and continued a recent stretch of success against the Spartans.
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That game was played in East Lansing, while this year's matchup will take place in Ann Arbor, giving Michigan the home-field advantage.
Recent History
Over the last five meetings, Michigan has gone 4-1 against Michigan State.
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2025: Michigan 31, Michigan State 20
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2024: Michigan 24, Michigan State 17
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2023: Michigan 49, Michigan State 0
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2022: Michigan 29, Michigan State 7
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2021: Michigan 33, Michigan State 37
One of the most memorable games in recent series history came in 2021, when Michigan State rallied from a 30-14 deficit to defeat Michigan 37-33 in East Lansing.
Spartans running back Kenneth Walker III delivered a legendary performance, rushing for 197 yards and five touchdowns to lead Michigan State to the comeback victory.
The game remains one of the most dramatic meetings between the programs and serves as a reminder that anything can happen in this rivalry.
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What History Says About Saturday
Of course, past results don't determine what happens on Saturday. Both programs have undergone significant changes since their last meeting.
Michigan enters this year's matchup with an offense that appears to be finding its footing behind freshman quarterback Tommy Carr . After taking over for Bryce Underwood, Carr has provided a spark, and Whittingham has confirmed that he will remain the starter moving forward.
Michigan State, meanwhile, has struggled on both sides of the football. The Spartans rank No. 122 nationally in rushing offense, No. 117 in passing offense, No. 86 in rushing defense and No. 50 in passing defense.
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Those numbers suggest Michigan should have opportunities to establish its ground game while allowing Jay Hill's defense to dictate the action.
Still, rivalry games have a way of producing unexpected results, regardless of records or statistical advantages.
Michigan will look to extend its winning streak over Michigan State to five games, while the Spartans will attempt to snap their skid and earn their first victory in the series since 2021.
With another chapter about to be written, Saturday's matchup will add to a rivalry that has featured 117 previous meetings, unforgettable performances and more than a century of bragging rights.
