Pre Game

After homecoming against Illinois, Michigan hosted its in-state rival, the Michigan State Spartans, for the Paul Bunyan Trophy. Michigan State won the previous game by a score of 28–14.[90] Michigan honored Willis Ward before the game.[91]\r\nMichigan won a low-scoring defensive battle, 12–10.[2] Following a scoreless first quarter, Michigan opened the scoring in the second quarter with a 24-yard field goal from Brendan Gibbons, and added to its lead before halftime with a 48-yard field goal from Matt Wile. Michigan State scored its first points of the game and took the lead in the third quarter on a two-yard touchdown pass from Andrew Maxwell to Paul Lang. Michigan answered in the fourth quarter and regained the lead via a 21-yard field goal from Gibbons, but Michigan State answered with a 19-yard field goal from Dan Conroy. Michigan won the game with a last minute 38-yard field goal from Gibbons.[92]\r\nWith the victory, Michigan became the first team in college football to reach 900 wins in program history. Michigan improved its record to 68–32–5 against Michigan State and recorded its first victory against the Spartans since 2007. The was Michigan's first victory without scoring a touchdown since a 5–0 win against Purdue in 1995. Matt Wile's 48-yard field goal was his first career field goal and Michigan's longest since 2009, when Jason Olesnavege kicked a 51-yard field goal against Purdue. Jordan Kovacs had an interception and posted his 300th career tackle during the game. Desmond Morgan led the Wolverines in tackles with 11.[93] Gibbons was named the Big Ten's Special Teams Player of the Week in recognition of his efforts.[94]