Top 5 Michigan vs. Michigan State games ever, including games from 2021 and 1990

One of the college football teams’ most anticipated games is the Michigan Wolverines vs. Michigan State Spartans matchup.

It doesn’t matter how either team is performing that season; it’s a rivalry game, and both schools are motivated to win.

The schools have played off 115 times over the rivalry’s history, with Michigan holding an overall 72-38-5 series advantage. There have been many noteworthy games considering they have played 115 times.

Top Michigan State vs. Michigan games

Here are the top five:

1. 1990

The match was known as Number 1 vs. No One on October 13, 1990. Michigan was the top-ranked team in the nation and appeared to be going all the way to the championship.

Even yet, Michigan State won the game 28-27 after the Spartans gave the Wolverines a strong fight for six final seconds. When Michigan attempted to score two points to tie the game, the pass was incomplete.

The onside kick was recovered by the Wolverines, but the Spartans shocked Michigan by intercepting the last-second attempt.

2. 2021

For the first time since 1964, both teams appeared in the AP Top 10 during the Michigan vs. Michigan State matchup in 2021. Additionally, it was the first time that both teams were 7-0 or better when they played.

The Wolverines led 23-14 at the half, but Michigan State outscored them 23-10 in the second half to win 37-33.

3. 2004

In 2004, the unranked Michigan State Spartans entered Ann Arbour as significant underdogs but ended the third quarter leading 27-10. It was a huge shock, but they managed to kick a field goal to lose by 14.

Michigan scored a touchdown after recovering an onside kick to reduce the deficit to seven points. The Wolverines marched down the field once more to tie the game after forcing Michigan State to punt, scoring 17 points in less than four minutes.

As the clock ran out, the Spartans missed a field goal, and Michigan went on to win the game in three overtimes.

4. 2015

Since Michigan drove a stake into the ground before the game, 2014 has been known as “The Stake Game.”

The Spartans scored a touchdown with 28 seconds left as Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio referred to the stake incident in explaining the decision to add a final touchdown because the game was overwhelming in Michigan State’s favour rather than kneeling out.

5. 2007

Michigan defeated Michigan State for the sixth time in a row in 2007, and the Wolverines dubbed them Little Brother as a result of the victory. The Michigan football team’s victory was followed by a moment of silence for the Michigan State Spartans, which only fueled their rivalry.