Justice Haynes Shines as Michigan Defeats Michigan State. Justice Haynes Leads No. 25 Michigan to 31–20 Victory Over Michigan State with 152 Yards and Two Touchdowns
EAST LANSING, Mich. — The rivalry clash between No. 25 Michigan and Michigan State lived up to expectations on Saturday night, as sophomore running back Justice Haynes delivered a dominant performance, rushing for 152 yards and two touchdowns to power the Wolverines to a 31–20 victory at Spartan Stadium.
Ground Game Carries Michigan to Victory
Despite a limited passing attack, Michigan’s running game proved unstoppable. Haynes, returning after missing last week’s game with an injury, carried the offense with a career-high 26 rushing attempts, averaging an impressive 5.8 yards per carry. Fellow running back Jordan Marshall added 110 yards and a touchdown, giving the Wolverines a lethal one-two punch that kept the Spartans’ defense on its heels all night.
“We’ve got a great running back tandem that plays physical football and wears opponents down,” said head coach Sherrone Moore after the win.
Michigan Overcomes Passing Struggles
Freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood had one of his toughest outings of the season, completing just 8 of 17 passes for a season-low 86 yards. However, he made an impact with his legs, rushing for 26 yards and a 13-yard touchdown run early in the first quarter that helped Michigan jump out to a 10–0 lead.
“My running backs really stepped up tonight,” Underwood said. “They carried us when the passing game wasn’t clicking.”
Michigan State’s Missed Opportunities
For Michigan State (3–5, 0–5 Big Ten), the loss highlighted missed chances and costly mistakes. The Spartans had multiple opportunities in the fourth quarter to close the gap but failed to convert on key fourth-down plays. Quarterback Aidan Chiles, who finished 14 of 28 for 130 yards, struggled to find consistency and committed a crucial fumble on his third snap of the game.
Justice Haynes Shines as Michigan Defeats Michigan State
Head coach Jonathan Smith defended his decision to go for it on fourth-and-3 late in the game rather than attempt a field goal. “We were going to need a touchdown at some point,” Smith said. “Those three points weren’t guaranteed.”
Michigan capitalized on those mistakes, with Marshall sealing the victory on a 56-yard touchdown run after Michigan State turned the ball over on downs.
Key Performances and Momentum
Despite the Spartans’ loss, Makhi Frazier stood out with a career-high 109 rushing yards, including a 49-yard burst that set up Michigan State’s first touchdown. Late in the fourth quarter, backup quarterback Alessio Milivojevic connected with Michael Masunas for a 21-yard touchdown, providing a small spark for the Spartans’ offense.
For Michigan, the win marked their fourth consecutive victory over Michigan State, continuing their recent dominance in the in-state rivalry. “It means everything for us,” Coach Moore said. “Our guys played tough, disciplined football, and it showed.”
Costly Penalties and Turnovers
Michigan State’s discipline—or lack thereof—was a major storyline. The Spartans committed 12 penalties for 105 yards, including key offsides and personal foul calls that extended Michigan’s drives. One such penalty negated a potential turnover and set up Haynes’ second touchdown of the game.
“Came down to sloppy play,” Smith admitted. “We can’t expect to beat good teams when we beat ourselves.”
The Takeaway
Michigan continues to rely on its powerful rushing attack while developing consistency in the passing game. Haynes’ return from injury was a huge boost, giving the Wolverines an emotional and physical spark on the road. Underwood may have struggled through the air, but with Haynes and Marshall leading the backfield, Michigan remains a serious contender in the Big Ten.
Meanwhile, Michigan State must regroup quickly as it continues to search for its first conference win. Missed opportunities and penalties remain a major concern for Jonathan Smith’s team as they prepare for a tough road matchup next week.
What’s Next
Michigan (6–2, 4–1 Big Ten) will return home to host Purdue next weekend.
Michigan State (3–5, 0–5 Big Ten) travels to Minnesota for a Thursday night game on November 1.
With the victory, Michigan not only extended its winning streak in the rivalry but also bolstered its position in the Big Ten standings heading into November.
