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Wolverines Dominate Michigan State, Secure Postseason Eligibility with Explosive Rushing Attack
Table of Contents
Michigan football emphatically continued its dominance over rival Michigan State, achieving postseason eligibility before Halloween for the fourth time in five years with a commanding victory fueled by a historic rushing performance. The win improves the Wolverines’ season record to 6-2 and extends their winning streak against the Spartans to four consecutive games – their longest stretch as 2002-2007.
A Rushing Attack for the Ages
The story of the game was undoubtedly the relentless ground game orchestrated by the Wolverines. Justice Haynes and Jordan Marshall each surpassed the 100-yard mark, marking only the second time this season – and the first time as 1994 – that Michigan has boasted two 100-plus yard rushers in a single contest. Haynes finished with a stellar 26 carries for 152 yards and two touchdowns, his third multi-touchdown game of the season.This performance represents the most rushing yards by a Wolverine against michigan State since Blake Corum‘s 177-yard outing in 2022.
Marshall wasn’t to be outdone, adding 110 rushing yards on 15 carries, including a career-long 56-yard run in the fourth quarter. Together, the dynamic duo powered U-M to an impressive 276 rushing yards, the program’s highest total in this rivalry as 1994 when Tyrone Wheatley (153 yards) and Tshimanga Biakabutuka (141 yards) combined for 352 yards and three touchdowns. haynes also became the first Wolverine to record multiple rushing touchdowns against the Spartans since 2020.
Defensive Prowess and Special teams Contributions
While the offense stole the show, the Michigan defense played a crucial role in securing the victory. The Wolverines forced at least one turnover in every game this season, with linebacker Jimmy Rolder recovering a fumble – the first of his career – early in the first quarter. Rolder finished with a career-high 10 tackles, while defensive back Brandyn Hillman forced the fumble. Edge rusher Derrick Moore continued his impressive form, tallying two sacks for the second consecutive game.
Special teams also contributed, as punter Hudson Hollenbeck delivered a 67-yard punt in the third quarter – his longest of the year and the first 60-plus-yard punt since the ReliaQuest bowl against Alabama last season.
Consistent Success and Program Stability
Michigan’s victory further solidifies its historical dominance over michigan State, bringing the all-time series record to 75-38-5 in 118 meetings. The Wolverines now hold a 42-29-2 advantage in the 73 games played for the Paul Bunyan Trophy. Head coach Sherrone Moore remains undefeated against the Spartans, boasting a 2-0 record in the rivalry.
The offensive line, despite utilizing its fifth different starting combination in eight games – with Blake Frazier making his first career start at left tackle – has consistently paved the way for success, allowing only 10 sacks and contributing to 21 rushing touchdowns. The offense has also demonstrated its explosiveness, producing 37 plays of 20-plus yards this season.
