Over the past 55 years, the winner of the rushing battle between Michigan State football and Michigan has emerged victorious 48 times. An embodiment of the Midwestern spirit of Paul Bunyan himself. And a challenge to the Spartans ’ offensive and defensive lines to assert their dominance Saturday, Oct. 25.

The biggest game of the Michigan State football season is here. On Saturday night, the Spartans will take on No. 25 Michigan and try and regain possession of the Paul Bunyan Trophy for the first time since 2021.

Michigan State Spartans defensive back Malik Spencer (43) and linebacker Jordan Hall (5) stop Boston College Eagles tight end Jeremiah Franklin (17) during Michigan State’s game against Boston College on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Mich. The Spartans ultimately beat the Eagles, 42-40. Chloe Trofatter | MLive.com

Michigan State will get left tackle Stanton Ramil and safety Nikai Martinez back from injury for key Week 9 college football rivalry game

An undertone of desperation runs through the buildup to Saturday night’s game between No. 25 Michigan (5-2) and Michigan State (3-4).

Rivalry gameday is officially here. The No. 25 Michigan Wolverines and the Michigan State Spartans will face off tonight in Spartan Stadium at 7:30 p.m. and it’s not too late to snag a seat to the game.

An elite recruit that is committed to an SEC team will reportedly be attending the Michigan Football vs MSU game, and he’s a former target of both teams: